India’s participation in the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organisation

India’s participation in the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organisation

( This article is related to the section ‘ International Relations, Important International Organizations and Important International Treaties and Agreements related to India’s Interests ‘ under General Studies Paper- 2 of UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam and Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, International Maritime Organization , India’s Vision 2030 , Amrit Kal Vision 2047 ‘ under UPSC Preliminary Exam. It also includes suggestions from the PLUTUS IAS Team. This article is related to the section ‘ India’s Participation in the 132nd Session of the International Maritime Organization ‘ under ‘ Daily Current Affairs ‘ .)

 

Why in the News ? 

 

 

  • Recently, the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways participated in the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held in London. Is. 
  • The session, held in London, was held to discuss important topics affecting burning issues like addressing the human element in maritime operations. 
  • India, which has a major interest in international maritime trade and operations, stressed on the burning issue of seafarers’ abandonment as an elected member of the IMO Council. Sailors are people who work on ships or who travel regularly at sea.
  • Additionally, India has secured its place as one of the eight governments representing IMO in the Joint Tripartite Working Group, dedicated to addressing seafarers’ issues and the humanitarian element in maritime operations.
  • Recently the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has celebrated International Women in Maritime Day.

 

Major decisions and resolutions of the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization: 

 

  • Other proposed member countries of the International Maritime Organization include the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US and France. 
  • Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding areas In international maritime trade and operations Concerns related to disruptions impacting shipping and trade logistics were also considered. 
  • India reiterated its proposal for a South Asian Center of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT). 
  • This regional center aims to transform the maritime sector in India and South Asia into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and digitally efficient industry. 
  • This center will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting technical cooperation, capacity building and digital transformation.

 

International Maritime Organization : 

 

 

  • The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for regulating global shipping and preventing marine pollution caused by ships.1। 
  • The IMO was established in 1948 following a United Nations conference in Geneva, Switzerland, but officially came into existence in 1958. 
  • It has 175 member countries and three associate member countries. 
  • Its headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom. 
  • India decided to join IMO in 1959 and joined.

 

Role of International Maritime Organization (IMO) :

  • The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is an important organization that plays a regulatory and leadership role in the field of maritime transport. This organization is recognized worldwide for maritime safety, navigation and development of waterways.

 

Following are the main roles of IMO – 

  1. To create a fair and effective regulatory framework for the maritime transport industry : The main objective of IMO is to create a fair and effective regulatory framework for the maritime transport industry. This framework helps to coordinate the rules of maritime safety, navigation and waterways between different countries.
  2. To facilitate and secure international maritime traffic : According to the rules and standards set by IMO, work is done to make maritime traffic smooth and safe.
  3. Organizing International Maritime Day : IMO celebrates World Maritime Day every last Thursday of September, which aims to highlight the importance of maritime activities.

 

Structure and functions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) :

 

  • The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency under the United Nations mandated to regulate maritime traffic. 
  • It was called “Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization” (IMCO) until 1982.। 
  • IMO is governed by an Assembly of Members, which meets biennially and has a Council of 40 members. 
  • This council is elected by the Assembly for a term of two years. 
  • The supreme governing body of IMO is the Assembly, which is responsible for overseeing the work of the organization. 
  • It performs the functions of the Assembly, including making recommendations to governments on matters of maritime safety and pollution prevention.
  • The IMO’s functions are conducted through five committees and various subcommittees, which are responsible for the development of and compliance with international conventions, resolutions and guidelines.।

 

India and International Maritime Organization (IMO) :

 

  • India remains in Category-B of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) Council, highlighting its continued commitment to maritime matters. 
  • India’s active engagement with IMO is of utmost importance for enhancing the country’s maritime capabilities and global maritime security.

 

India’s Vision 2030 : 

 

  • A major goal of India’s Vision 2030 is to increase its representation in the IMO. 
  • To achieve this goal, it is planned to appoint permanent representatives to IMO London. This step will strengthen India’s role in shaping international maritime rules and standards and enhance India’s contribution to global maritime security.

 

Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 : 

 

  • Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India’s global maritime presence. 
  • India’s approach covers multiple aspects to protect India’s maritime interests and strengthen India’s position in global maritime transport.

 

Major Initiatives Launched by India : 

 

  1. Establishing a dedicated IMO cell : A special IMO cell will be set up, which will manage all communication and coordination with the IMO. This cell will ensure coordination between India’s maritime policies and IMO regulations.
  2. Appointment of Permanent Representative at IMO Headquarters : A Permanent Representative will be appointed at the IMO Headquarters, who will represent India at the IMO and present India’s views on all important issues.
  3. Implementation of BIMSTEC Master Plan : The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Master Plan will be implemented. The initiative aims to promote regional maritime cooperation and contribute to regional maritime security and economic development.

 

Conclusion : 

  • India’s engagement with IMO and implementation of the above initiatives will boost the country’s maritime capabilities and make India’s role in global maritime transport more significant. 
  • This strategy of India will not only protect national interests but will also significantly contribute to building the global community and various stakeholders involved in international maritime operations.

 

Source – The Hindu and PIB.

 

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Practice Questions for Preliminary Exam : 

 

Q.1. Consider the following statements regarding the International Maritime Organization.

  1. It has a council of 40 members.
  2. Its headquarters is located in London. 
  3. The main objective of IMO is to create a fair and effective regulatory framework for the maritime transport industry.
  4. India joined it in 1959.

Which of the above statement /statements is/are  correct? 

A. Only 1, 2 and 3.

B. Only 2, 3 and 4.

C. None of these.

D. All of the above.

Answer – D

 

Practice Questions for Main Exam : 

 

Q.1. Describe the structure and functions of the International Maritime Organization and Discuss how India’s active engagement with it is vital to enhance India’s maritime capabilities and global maritime security? Present a rational opinion. (UPSC – 2021 Word Limit – 250 Marks – 15) 

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