India was elected to the position of Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) during the organisation’s first General Assembly held in Singapore in February 2025. The election marked an important development in India’s participation in international maritime safety and navigation standards.
The first General Assembly was also significant because IALA formally transitioned from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to an intergovernmental organisation (IGO) on 22 August 2024. India’s election reflected its longstanding contribution to marine navigation, lighthouse management and maritime cooperation.
The Indian delegation at the Singapore meeting was led by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, the then Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. India was represented in IALA’s new leadership through its Vice Presidency, with the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) serving as the country’s representative organisation.
Key Highlights of India’s Election to IALA Vice Presidency
| Particulars | Details |
| Organisation | International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation |
| Abbreviation | IALA |
| India’s position | Vice President |
| Election venue | Singapore |
| General Assembly | First General Assembly |
| Meeting dates | 18–20 February 2025 |
| IALA’s IGO status effective from | 22 August 2024 |
| Indian delegation leader | Shri T.K. Ramachandran |
| Indian representative organisation | Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) |
| 2025 Council Meeting in India | Mumbai, 8–12 December 2025 |
| 2027 General Assembly | Scheduled to be hosted in Mumbai |
What Is IALA?
IALA stands for the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation. It is an international organisation that works to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of marine navigation.
The organisation develops and promotes international standards, recommendations and guidelines related to marine aids to navigation.
Its major objectives include:
- Improving the safety of ships and vessels during navigation.
- Harmonising marine navigation systems across different countries.
- Promoting the development of modern navigation technologies.
- Supporting the protection of the marine environment.
- Encouraging international cooperation and technical knowledge-sharing.
- Improving the efficiency of maritime transportation.
IALA works with governments, maritime authorities, lighthouse organisations and other stakeholders to improve navigation safety worldwide.
From NGO to Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO)
IALA was established in 1957 as a non-governmental organisation under the name International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.
After several years of international negotiations and work towards institutional reform, the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation entered into force on 22 August 2024.
This transition changed IALA’s institutional status from an NGO to an intergovernmental organisation.
Important facts about this transition:
- Earlier status: Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
- New status: Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO).
- Effective date: 22 August 2024.
- New official name: International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation.
- Main objective: Strengthening international cooperation and harmonisation in marine navigation.
The IGO status provides a formal intergovernmental framework for cooperation among member states on maritime navigation matters.
India’s Election as Vice President of IALA
India was elected as Vice President during IALA’s first General Assembly in Singapore, held from 18 to 20 February 2025.
The Indian delegation was led by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Other members included senior officials from the ministry and the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
The General Assembly also elected Brazil as President of IALA.
India’s election was supported by its long-standing participation in the organisation and its contribution to marine navigation infrastructure.
India has been associated with IALA since 1957 and has served as a member of its Council since 1980 through the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
Role of India in IALA
India contributes to international maritime navigation through its lighthouse infrastructure, technical expertise and maritime safety initiatives.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, plays an important role in this area.
Major areas of India’s contribution include:
- Lighthouse Management
India operates and maintains lighthouses and other navigational aids along its coastline to support the safe movement of vessels.
- Maritime Navigation Safety
India contributes to the development and harmonisation of marine aids to navigation through international cooperation.
- Technology Development
Modern navigation systems, digital technologies and vessel traffic services are important areas of cooperation within IALA.
- International Technical Cooperation
India participates in discussions, technical committees and knowledge-sharing activities related to marine navigation.
- Sustainable Maritime Operations
India supports efforts to improve navigation safety while promoting environmentally responsible maritime activities.
India’s Role in Hosting IALA Meetings
India’s election as Vice President was accompanied by an opportunity to host important IALA events.
The planned events included:
- IALA Council Meeting: Scheduled for December 2025 in Mumbai.
- IALA Conference and General Assembly: Planned for September 2027 in Mumbai.
The December 2025 Council Meeting was successfully hosted in Mumbai from 8 to 12 December 2025 by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
The meeting brought together international delegates and maritime experts to discuss global navigation safety, technical standards and cooperation.
The 2027 Conference and General Assembly is planned to provide another international platform for discussions on marine aids to navigation.
What Are Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN)?
Marine Aids to Navigation, commonly known as AtoN, are systems and devices that help ships and vessels navigate safely through waterways, coastal areas and ports.
These systems provide information about a vessel’s position, nearby hazards, safe routes and navigational conditions.
Important examples include:
- Lighthouses: Structures that provide visual guidance to vessels.
- Buoys: Floating markers used to identify channels, hazards and navigational routes.
- Beacons: Fixed structures that provide visual navigation signals.
- Radar Beacons: Devices that help vessels identify specific locations through radar systems.
- Electronic Navigation Systems: Modern technologies that support safe and accurate navigation.
IALA works towards harmonising these systems internationally to improve maritime safety and operational efficiency.
Significance of India’s Election to IALA
India’s election as Vice President of IALA is important for its participation in international maritime governance.
- Greater Participation in Global Standards
India can contribute to discussions and decisions concerning international marine navigation standards and recommendations.
- Strengthening Maritime Safety
The position supports cooperation on safer navigation systems, improved lighthouse infrastructure and modern maritime technologies.
- International Cooperation
India can work with other member states to exchange technical knowledge and improve navigation practices.
- Development of Maritime Infrastructure
International cooperation can support improvements in India’s lighthouse systems, coastal navigation infrastructure and vessel traffic services.
- Sustainable Shipping
IALA’s work includes improving the environmental sustainability of maritime operations along with navigation safety.
Conclusion
India’s election as Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore in February 2025 marked an important development in India’s international maritime engagement.
IALA transitioned from an NGO to an IGO on 22 August 2024, providing a formal intergovernmental framework for cooperation on marine navigation safety.
India’s longstanding contribution through the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, along with its participation in international maritime standards and technical cooperation, supports its role in the organisation.
