Tag: International Cooperation

National

India Secures Highest Votes to Re-Enter IMO Council for 2026–27 Biennium

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

India has secured a significant diplomatic and maritime achievement with its re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 biennium, earning the highest number of votes in Category B. This resounding victory reflects the global community’s trust in India’s leadership and ongoing commitment to the maritime domain.

The result highlights India’s expanding influence in shaping global maritime policies and its dedication to fostering safe, secure, environmentally responsible, and efficient maritime operations. Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India’s maritime sector has witnessed rapid growth, global engagement, and a renewed focus on sustainability and innovation.

The highest vote tally stands as a testament to India’s active role in global shipping and its contributions to strengthening international maritime cooperation. India’s vision of enhancing ocean governance, supporting seafarers, advancing maritime safety standards, and promoting green shipping has resonated strongly on the global stage.

As a member of the IMO Council, India reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of maritime transport, promoting collaboration among nations, and working towards cleaner and safer seas.

This accomplishment reinforces India’s determination to lead responsibly and effectively as the world navigates emerging challenges and opportunities in maritime affairs.

International

CEC Gyanesh Kumar to Assume Chairship of International IDEA in 2026

allycaralgoa

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar is set to take over as Chair of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the year 2026, positioning India at the forefront of global democratic collaboration. He will formally assume the role on 3 December 2025 during the Council of Member States meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.

Founded in 1995, International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions, electoral processes, and political participation across the world. With 35 member countries and the United States and Japan as observers, the organisation works to promote inclusive, resilient, and accountable democracies.

India, a founding member of International IDEA, has been a key contributor to its initiatives and governance. The upcoming chairship reflects international recognition of the Election Commission of India (ECI) as one of the most trusted and innovative election management bodies globally. As a nation that conducts elections for nearly one billion voters through transparent, well-documented systems, India’s experience is seen as invaluable to global democratic development.

As Chair, Gyanesh Kumar will guide the organisation’s strategic agenda, emphasising knowledge-sharing, professional exchanges among Election Management Bodies (EMBs), and evidence-based electoral reforms worldwide. The collaboration will also strengthen ties between International IDEA and ECI’s training institute — the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).

IIIDEM has emerged as a global hub for election-related training and capacity building, having signed MoUs with 28 countries and trained 3,169 officials from 142 nations. Joint research, workshops, and training programmes between IIIDEM and International IDEA will address critical challenges such as disinformation, electoral violence, and declining voter trust.

Under Gyanesh Kumar’s leadership, India aims to share its best technological and administrative election practices with EMBs globally while contributing to a stronger, more resilient global democratic landscape.