INSA Joins International Chamber of Shipping as Full Member, Strengthening India’s Global Maritime Voice

By Admin

25 Feb, 2026

A Landmark Moment for Indian Shipping

The global maritime community has witnessed a significant development as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) announced the induction of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) as a full member. This milestone marks a powerful step in strengthening India’s presence in global maritime policymaking and reinforcing international cooperation across the shipping industry.

As one of the world’s most important maritime nations, India’s full representation within ICS reflects its growing strategic importance in global trade, fleet expansion, and maritime governance.

INSA’s Role in India’s Maritime Growth

INSA represents the interests of Indian shipping companies and plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s maritime sector. The association actively supports:

• Fleet development and modernization
• Maritime education and training
• Policy advocacy at national and international levels
• Engagement with regulatory authorities

With India’s shipping industry expanding and its maritime ecosystem becoming more robust, INSA’s inclusion in ICS ensures that regional insights and operational expertise from India are directly integrated into global decision-making processes.

Strengthening Global Shipping Collaboration

ICS represents national shipowners’ associations and shipping companies from more than 40 countries and territories across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, covering the majority of the global merchant fleet. The addition of INSA reinforces ICS’s commitment to inclusive global representation and collaboration across all major maritime regions.

Welcoming the development, Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of ICS, expressed his delight at welcoming INSA into the organisation. He highlighted India’s growing influence in global shipping, driven by its expanding fleet, strong maritime education ecosystem, and strategic contribution to international trade. He further noted that INSA’s participation will be especially valuable as ICS addresses evolving industry challenges.

Addressing Key Global Maritime Challenges

The shipping industry is navigating transformative changes, including:

• Seafarer welfare and workforce sustainability
• Digitalisation of maritime operations
• Decarbonisation and environmental compliance
• Responsible ship recycling

INSA’s membership strengthens global collaboration on these critical issues. By contributing practical solutions and region-specific perspectives, India is set to play a more influential role in shaping sustainable and forward-looking maritime policies.

A Strategic Voice at the IMO

Anil Devli, CEO of INSA, described the membership as a major milestone for both the association and the Indian shipping community. He emphasised that in an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics and regulatory transformations, it is essential for Indian shipping companies to actively participate in international discussions and policymaking.

INSA looks forward to working closely with ICS members to promote a safe, sustainable, and efficient global shipping industry. Importantly, the membership ensures that India’s perspectives are effectively represented at global forums, particularly at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where international maritime regulations are shaped.

Enhancing India’s Global Maritime Voice

India’s growing maritime capabilities   from fleet expansion to a strong pool of skilled seafarers   position the country as a key contributor to global trade. INSA’s full membership in ICS symbolizes recognition of India’s rising maritime stature and its commitment to collaborative global governance.

As the industry moves toward greener, smarter, and more resilient shipping practices, India’s stronger voice within ICS will help ensure balanced, inclusive, and practical solutions that benefit both developed and emerging maritime economies.

This development not only strengthens India’s global maritime presence but also reinforces the collective effort to build a more sustainable and unified future for the shipping industry worldwide.