**Summary:**
The Indian delegation, led by Secretary T.K. Ramachandran of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, participated in the 134th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London. India addressed concerns regarding recent maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels in Indian waters, which were attributed to undeclared hazardous cargoes and structural/stability issues. India urged the IMO to conduct a comprehensive investigation and global review of such incidents, emphasizing the need to reinforce international protocols for packaging, declaration, stowage, and monitoring of lithium-ion batteries and IMDG cargo. India proposed IMO-led investigations to establish global best practices and enhance safety and security in container ship operations worldwide.
Furthermore, India actively engaged in discussions on gender equality, highlighting the national initiative "Sagar Mein Samman – Honour at Sea," launched on November 25, 2024, by the Directorate General of Shipping. This program aims to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive maritime environment, empowering women in various roles. India reported a 650% increase in the number of Indian women seafarers, demonstrating its commitment to equal opportunities in the maritime sector. India reiterated its support for the IMO's objectives related to maritime safety, environmental protection, and inclusive development.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The Indian government ministry responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
International Maritime Organization (IMO): A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for maritime safety and security.
Shri T.K. Ramachandran: IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
London: Location of the 134th session of the IMO Council.
Indian Navy: The naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces.
Indian Coast Guard: A maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India.
Sagar Mein Samman Honour at Sea: A national initiative launched by the Directorate General of Shipping to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive maritime ecosystem.
Directorate General of Shipping: An attached office of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India responsible for maritime affairs.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
India Highlights Maritime Safety and Gender
Inclusivity at the 134th Session of IMO Council
Posted On: 09 JUL 2025 4:56PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian delegation, led by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways, Government of India, is participating in the 134th session of the Council of the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
On the opening day of the session, India delivered a strong and principled statement addressing recent
maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels operating in Indian waters. These incidents,
caused by undeclared hazardous cargoes and structural and stability issues, have raised serious safety
concerns.
India urged the IMO to undertake a comprehensive investigation and global review of all such incidents
involving container ships. Citing the proactive role of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard in ensuring
safety of life at sea, India called for urgent enhancements in the safety framework for container shipping. The
Indian statement underscored the need to reinforce international protocols related to packaging, declaration,
stowage, and monitoring of lithium-ion batteries and IMDG cargo.
India proposed the establishment of IMO-led investigations into such incidents to help build global best
practices, improve standardisation, and strengthen operational norms that ensure the safety and security of
container ship operations across the world.
During the deliberations, India also actively participated in the agenda on gender equality, aligning with the
IMO’s Gender Inclusion Strategy. The Indian delegation highlighted the national initiative Sagar Mein
Samman (Honour at Sea), launched on 25 November 2024 by the Directorate General of Shipping. This
landmark programme aims to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive maritime ecosystem, empowering women
from seafaring to leadership roles, in alignment with India's Vision@2047 and IMO's strategic objectives.
India proudly shared the remarkable achievement of a 650% increase in the number of Indian women
seafarers, showcasing the country's commitment to creating equal opportunities in the maritime sector.
The Indian delegation reaffirmed its continued support to IMO’s efforts towards maritime safety,
environmental protection, and inclusive development of the global maritime community.***
SR/GDH/SJ
(Release ID: 2143430)