During the Assembly, India held bilateral and multilateral talks to expand partnerships in maritime safety, digitalisation, green shipping, seafarer welfare, and port development.

T K Ramachandran emphasized India’s maritime ambitions and invited international partners to collaborate under a philosophy of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' for a robust maritime future.

India secured 154 of 169 valid votes in the Category B contest, as the IMO Assembly election took place in London.

India’s Neighbourhood First policy under MAHASAGAR positions the country as a first responder in crises and a net security provider in the region.

Key figures guiding MAHASAGAR include Modi, Sonowal, and Shantanu Thakur, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2025-26 biennium, winning the highest votes in Category B, which covers states with the largest stake in international seaborne trade.

Among other Category B members elected were Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.

The IMO is a UN specialized agency focused on safety, security, and environmental protection in global shipping, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Prime Minister Modi announced the MAHASAGAR initiative during a March 2025 visit to Mauritius, expanding on SAGAR goals to promote stability and inclusive growth across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

India aims to strengthen its leadership in collaborative maritime governance and contribute to global trade stability and growth through sustained reforms.

India’s ministry signaled plans to invest about USD 1 trillion in the maritime sector over the next 25 years, aligning with Vision 2047 and broader growth objectives.

The IMO serves as the lead body for global maritime activities, with the Council acting as its executive arm to supervise work and budgets.