India Elected as Vice President of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in Singapore.
International
On February 19, 2025, India was elected as the Vice President (VP) of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) during its 1st General Assembly in Singapore. The 1st General Assembly of IALA, held from February 18 to 21, 2025, marked its transition from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to an Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO).
- India's election as VP underscores its leadership and significant contributions to maritime affairs, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing maritime safety, improving navigational aids, and fostering international cooperation in the maritime domain.
- India's delegation at the IALA General Assembly was led by T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), along with Mukesh Mangal, Joint Secretary of MoPSW; N. Muruganandam, Director of Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), MoPSW; and S. Saravanan, Deputy Director of DGLL.
- India is set to host the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027, both in Mumbai (Maharashtra). These meetings will provide a platform for India to showcase its advancements in maritime technology, navigation systems, and global maritime partnerships.
Main Point :- (i) Founded in 1957, IALA (formerly known as the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) was established as an NGO to unite marine aids to navigation authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and scientific and training organizations from around the world.
(ii) In August 2024, 34 member states ratified IALA's transformation into an IGO, enhancing its ability to regulate and standardize marine navigation, leading to its name change to the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA).
(iii) As an IGO, IALA sets international standards for safe and efficient navigation, harmonizes global maritime systems, promotes safety initiatives, and works with member states, organizations, and industry partners to tackle emerging challenges in maritime safety and environmental protection.
About International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)
Secretary General : Francis Zachariae
Headquarters : Saint-Germain-en-Laye (France)
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