Has India Been Re-elected to the ICAO Council with a Stronger Mandate?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India re-elected to ICAO Council with a stronger mandate.
- Increased support from member states reflects growing trust.
- India aims to enhance aviation safety, security, and sustainability.
- Active engagement with global aviation stakeholders.
- Commitment to the 'No Country Left Behind' initiative.
New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress): India has successfully been re-elected to Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialized UN agency, which includes states contributing significantly to international civil aviation facilities, as stated in an official announcement on Tuesday.
This time, India garnered more votes compared to the previous elections in 2022, showcasing the increasing trust among member nations in New Delhi's leadership and its dedication to international civil aviation, according to the statement.
The election occurred on September 27, during the 42nd ICAO Assembly Session being held in Montreal.
On September 2, the Ministry of Civil Aviation organized a reception in New Delhi for Ambassadors and High Commissioners in anticipation of the 42nd ICAO Assembly Session. During this event, Minister for Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu requested support from member nations for India’s re-election for the term 2025-2028.
The Ministry of External Affairs backed this initiative through ongoing engagement with fellow member states, reinforcing India’s commitment to the objectives of ICAO. Their diplomatic outreach bolstered India’s campaign for the ICAO Council elections. The Indian representative at ICAO headquarters also actively sought support for India’s re-election, the statement indicated.
While in Montreal, Rammohan Naidu conducted bilateral meetings with other member states and engaged with global aviation stakeholders. As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, India has drawn significant interest from international players in sectors like aircraft component manufacturing, MRO, and skill development.
A founding member of ICAO since 1944, India has maintained a continuous presence on the Council for 81 years. It plays an essential role in promoting ICAO’s mission to ensure safe, secure, sustainable, harmonized, and gender-inclusive international civil aviation. India actively participates in developing policies, regulatory frameworks, and international aviation standards.
The ICAO Assembly, which meets every three years, serves as the organization’s sovereign body, consisting of all 193 signatory states to the Chicago Convention. The 36-member ICAO Council, elected by these 193 member states during the Assembly, acts as the governing body for a three-year term.
For the 2025–2028 term, India reiterates its commitment to enhancing international aviation safety, security, and sustainability. Furthermore, it aims to foster equitable growth in air connectivity, advance technology and innovation, and support the ICAO’s 'No Country Left Behind' initiative, the statement concluded.