India Hosts Successful IALA Council Meeting in Mumbai
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in India, recently hosted the 3rd Council Meeting of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai from December 8 to 12, 2025. This high-profile event gathered over 60 international delegates from more than 30 countries, showcasing India’s growing influence in the global maritime sector.
The meeting was inaugurated virtually by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on December 9, alongside Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary (PSW), and senior ministry officials. In his address, Minister Sonowal emphasized India’s emergence as a leader in maritime innovation, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that hosting the IALA Council Meeting marked a significant step in India’s efforts to shape international maritime standards and enhance navigation safety.
Launch of Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism
During the meeting, the Minister also unveiled the Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism. This initiative is expected to improve digital access and visitor convenience across 75 lighthouse tourism destinations throughout India, reflecting the government’s dedication to leveraging technology for tourism enhancement.
Shri Vijay Kumar, while addressing the attendees, highlighted India’s extensive maritime domain, which includes more than 11,000 kilometers of coastline, over 200 ports, and nearly 20,000 kilometers of navigable waterways. He pointed out that as the world’s fourth-largest economy, India is undergoing a transformative period in its maritime sector, where marine aids to navigation play a crucial role in supporting the nation’s Blue Economy aspirations.
Global Cooperation and New Standards
Mr. Francis Zachariae, Secretary General of IALA, expressed gratitude to the Indian government for hosting the Council Meeting and recognized India’s vital contributions to global navigation safety and maritime cooperation. During technical sessions, attendees discussed the work of IALA’s four committees, which cover Aids to Navigation Requirements, Engineering and Sustainability, Vessel Traffic Services, and Digital Technologies. The discussions led to updates on existing IALA Standards and Guidelines, along with the creation of new global standards aimed at improving marine aids to navigation.
A Historic Visit
The IALA Council also toured the proposed venue for the upcoming IALA Conference and General Assembly in 2027, which received formal approval. A notable highlight of the program was a visit to the historic Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse, equipped with advanced marine navigation systems. This visit not only showcased India’s maritime heritage but also emphasized its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in navigation.
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