Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, virtually inaugurated the 3rd Session of the Council of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai on Tuesday. The event, running from December 8–12, is a major global platform hosted by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) and brings together 42 IALA Council members and representatives from over 30 countries to discuss the future of maritime standards.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Sonowal stated that hosting the council reflects India’s rising role in global maritime affairs. He referenced India’s ancient maritime legacy and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Lighthouse Museum at the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, which celebrates this history.
The Minister highlighted the growing relevance of global cooperation as technology reshapes maritime navigation, including autonomous shipping and satellite-enabled systems. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the harmonisation efforts led by IALA.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector is undergoing a transformational shift — from infrastructure expansion and digital innovation to green and sustainable shipping. PM Modi’s strategic focus has positioned India not only as a key maritime nation but as a trusted contributor to global standards, safety and cooperation,” said Sonowal.
A major announcement at the event was the launch of the Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism. This portal will streamline visitor access, transparency, and convenience across 75 lighthouse destinations in India, all of which the Minister noted are now solar-powered.
Sonowal told the gathering that aids to navigation remain central to safety, and India is actively investing in modern AtoN systems and digital navigation solutions.
He added, “It is a matter of great pride for India to host the 3rd IALA Council Session in Mumbai. As technologies such as autonomous shipping, satellite-based navigation systems and digitalisation rapidly evolve, the role of IALA in global harmonisation of navigation standards becomes even more critical. India stands firmly with IALA in pursuit of safe, efficient and sustainable navigation.”
The event marked India’s commitment to strengthening global maritime cooperation and advancing international standards in navigation, safety, and sustainability, as outlined in national policies like Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
