In News:

India, as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), actively participated in the 2nd Session of the IALA Council, held in Nice, France.

What is IALA?

The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) is a global intergovernmental technical body responsible for:

• Standardizing marine navigation aids (AtoN)
• Enhancing maritime safety
• Promoting environmental protection in marine navigation

Key Facts:

• Established: 1957 (as an NGO; became an IGO in 2024)
• Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, France
• Members: 39 countries
• Status: Transitioned to an Intergovernmental Organization in August 2024 after ratification by 30 states

India’s Role in IALA

India has been a Council Member since 1980, and was elected Vice President (2023–2027) during the 1st General Assembly in Singapore in 2023 — a significant recognition of India’s leadership in maritime affairs.

Major Indian Contributions:

• Development of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) across 12 major ports
• Leadership in digital navigation aids and maritime innovation
• Promoting lighthouse heritage tourism
• Launching global training programs at the Kolkata Marine Navigation Training Institute

Highlights from the 2nd IALA Council Session

• Keynote: Outlined India’s achievements in integrating marine AtoN and future roadmap
• Technical Discussions:
  • Standardization of AtoN and VTS systems
  • Harmonized IoT protocols for visual AtoN
  • Maritime Service Registry development
  • Lighthouse heritage conservation
  • Planning IALA’s global activity schedule for 2025–2026

India to Host Key IALA Events

• 3rd IALA General Assembly – December 2025, Mumbai
• 21st IALA Conference – 2027, Mumbai

This reflects global confidence in India’s technical capabilities and strategic importance in the maritime domain.

Significance:

• Strategic Leadership: Reinforces India’s influence in international maritime governance.
• Digital Maritime Innovation: India is contributing to cutting-edge technologies like IoT protocols and digital AtoN.
• Global Capacity Building: Hosting and training initiatives bolster the global maritime workforce.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Lighthouse tourism and heritage preservation align technology with history.