India has put maritime safety and gender equality at the forefront during the 134th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London. The Indian delegation, led by T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, delivered a comprehensive statement addressing recent safety incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels operating in Indian waters. These incidents stemmed from undeclared hazardous cargoes and structural or stability-related issues, raising serious concerns.
India called for a global review and comprehensive investigation of such container ship mishaps. Stressing the role of Indian Navy and Coast Guard in safeguarding life at sea, the delegation urged IMO to enhance protocols covering packaging, declaration, stowage and surveillance of dangerous goods, particularly lithium-ion batteries and International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) cargo.
The Indian statement proposed the establishment of IMO-led investigations to identify international best practices, improve standardisation and build stronger operational norms to ensure container shipping safety globally.
In the same session, India actively contributed to the Council’s discussion on gender equality. Aligning with the IMO’s Gender Inclusion Strategy, the delegation spotlighted the national initiative Sagar Mein Samman (Honour at Sea), launched by the Directorate General of Shipping on 25 November 2024. The programme aims to build a safe and inclusive maritime environment that empowers women across roles—from seafaring to leadership—as part of India’s Vision@2047.
India reported a remarkable 650 percent rise in the number of Indian women seafarers, a figure that underscores the country’s commitment to gender equity in the maritime workforce.
India reaffirmed its continued support for the IMO’s goals in maritime safety, environmental stewardship and inclusive global maritime development.
