In News:

• India has been re-elected to the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) during the 28th Universal Postal Congress held in Dubai.
• This re-election reaffirms global confidence in India Post’s leadership, digital reforms, and commitment to inclusive postal development, strengthening India’s voice in shaping international postal governance.

About the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

• Founded: 1874 under the Treaty of Bern
• Headquarters: Berne, Switzerland
• Members: 192 countries
• Status: A specialized agency of the United Nations, it is the second-oldest international organization after the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Mandate and Objectives

• To promote global postal cooperation and ensure universal connectivity in mail and parcel delivery.
• To establish standards, regulations, and tariffs for international postal exchanges.
• To enhance efficiency, affordability, and reliability of postal services globally.
• To facilitate the growth of e-commerce and cross-border logistics through modern postal systems.

Governance Structure of UPU

The UPU functions through four key organs:

• Congress:
  • The supreme decision-making body, convened every four years.
  • Sets the long-term strategy, budget, and policy framework for global postal operations.
• Council of Administration (CA):
  • Handles policy, legal, administrative, and regulatory issues between Congress sessions.
  • Oversees the implementation of Congress decisions and coordinates global postal governance.
• Postal Operations Council (POC):
  • The technical and operational body comprising 48 elected member countries.
  • Works on service innovation, quality enhancement, digital integration, and modernisation of global postal systems.
• International Bureau:
  • The secretariat of the UPU providing logistical, analytical, and technical support to member states and councils.

Significance of India’s Re-election

• Endorsement of Leadership: India’s re-election underscores the international community’s trust in its postal transformation, particularly in digital and financial inclusion.
• Modernisation Initiatives: India Post’s progress in e-commerce facilitation, postal banking, logistics efficiency, and technology-driven governance has positioned it as a model for developing nations.
• Strategic Representation: Through its roles in both CA and POC, India can influence policy formulation, standard setting, and capacity-building initiatives within the UPU.
• Global Collaboration: Reinforces India’s vision of “One World, One Postal Network”, aligning with its broader digital diplomacy and South-South cooperation goals.

India and the UPU: A Historical Perspective

• India joined the UPU in 1876, just two years after its establishment.
• Over the decades, it has played a constructive role in strengthening postal connectivity across the Global South.
• Under the leadership of the Ministry of Communications, India Post has transitioned from traditional mail delivery to offering digital, financial, and logistical services, supporting Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions.