India's Re-election to the ICAO Council (Part II)

  India's Re-election to the ICAO Council (Part II)

This news is significant for the UPSC syllabus, particularly under GS Paper II (International Relations) and can be linked to GS Paper III (Economy, Security).

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1. Why in the News?

India has been successfully re-elected to Part II of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for the 2025-2028 term during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal. This reaffirms India's pivotal role in shaping global civil aviation policies.

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2. Key Institutions & Terminology

• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization):

  • A specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1944 by the Chicago Convention.

  • Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.

  • Objective: To manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), promoting the safe, orderly, and sustainable development of international civil aviation.

• ICAO Council (Governing Body):

  • A 36-member body elected by the 193 Member States for a three-year term.

  • It is the supreme executive body that gives continuing direction to the work of ICAO.

• ICAO Assembly:

  • The sovereign body of ICAO, comprising all 193 Member States.

  • Meets once every three years to review work, set policy, and elect the Council.

• Council Part II: This part is specifically for "States of chief importance to air transport" or those which make the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation. India's presence here underscores its significant and growing footprint in global aviation.

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3. Detailed Breakdown of the Event & Its Significance

Aspect	Details & Significance
What Happened?	India was re-elected to Part II of the ICAO Council for the 2025-2028 term.
Vote Count	India secured more votes than in the 2022 elections, indicating growing international confidence in its leadership.
Diplomatic Push	A coordinated effort by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (hosting diplomatic receptions) and the Ministry of External Affairs (continuous engagement with member states) was key to the success.
Historical Context	India is a founding member (1944) and has maintained an uninterrupted presence on the Council for 81 years, highlighting its long-standing commitment.
Strategic Importance	1. Global Standard-Setting: Being on the Council allows India to directly influence and shape global aviation standards (Safety, Security, Sustainability). 2. Reflecting National Strength: This aligns with India's status as one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. 3. Economic Opportunities: It boosts India's appeal for global investments in aircraft manufacturing, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), and skill development. 4. "No Country Left Behind": India can champion the interests of developing nations, ensuring equitable growth in global air connectivity.

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4. India's Stated Commitments for the 2025-2028 Term

India has pledged to focus on:

1. Strengthening international aviation safety, security, and sustainability.

2. Promoting equitable growth in air connectivity.

3. Advancing technology and innovation in aviation.

4. Supporting ICAO’s "No Country Left Behind" initiative, which aims to help states implement ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

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5. Probable UPSC Questions

A. Prelims (Factual)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

   1. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.

   2. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.

   3. The ICAO Council is elected by the Assembly every three years.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   a) 1 and 2 only
   b) 1 and 3 only
   c) 2 and 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3
   Answer: b) 1 and 3 only (Headquarters is in Montreal, Canada)

2. India was recently re-elected to Part II of the ICAO Council. Part II of the council comprises of states which are:
   a) The largest in geographical area.
   b) The founding members of the Chicago Convention.
   c) Making the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation.
   d) From the Global South exclusively.
   Answer: c) Making the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation.

B. Mains GS (Analytical)

GS Paper II (International Relations)

1. India's consistent re-election to the Part II of the ICAO Council reflects its growing stature in global governance. Discuss the strategic significance of this position for India's aviation sector and its foreign policy objectives.

2. "Multilateral diplomacy is key to navigating complex global challenges." In light of this statement, analyze how India's coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs led to its successful re-election to the ICAO Council.

GS Paper III (Economy, Security)

1. A seat at the high table of international organizations like ICAO provides a strategic advantage to a nation's economic and security interests. Elaborate with reference to India's role in the ICAO Council.

C. Interview

• "What does India's re-election to the ICAO Council tell us about its soft power and diplomatic reach?"

• "As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, what unique perspectives can India bring to the ICAO Council, especially regarding sustainable aviation?"

• "How can India leverage its position in the ICAO Council to boost the 'Make in India' initiative in the aerospace sector?"