India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2025–2028 term, reaffirming its global leadership in international civil aviation. The election took place on September 27, 2025, during the 42nd ICAO Assembly Session held in Montreal, Canada.
Key Highlights
- India’s re-election to Part II of the ICAO Council highlights its role as one of the largest contributors to the development of international civil air navigation facilities.
- India secured more votes than in the 2022 election, reflecting growing global trust in its aviation governance and leadership.
- The election campaign was strengthened through active diplomatic outreach by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Representative of India (ROI) at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal.
- India’s re-election reinforces its commitment to global civil aviation safety, security, sustainability, and equitable growth.
India’s Commitments for 2025–2028 Term
As part of its renewed term on the ICAO Council, India aims to:
- Strengthen global aviation safety, security, and sustainability.
- Promote equitable growth in international air connectivity and access.
- Advance innovation and technology adoption in the aviation sector.
- Support ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative, which ensures all member nations can benefit from aviation sector development.
India’s Role in ICAO
- Founding Member: India has been a part of ICAO since its inception in 1944 under the Chicago Convention.
- Continuous Representation: India has maintained an uninterrupted presence on the ICAO Council for 81 years, since its establishment.
- Contributions:
- Actively participates in policy formulation, regulatory frameworks, and standard-setting for global aviation.
- Provides technical expertise in areas of aviation safety, environmental sustainability, and air navigation.
- Advocates for capacity-building programs in developing countries through ICAO platforms.
India’s Growing Aviation Sector
- India is among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with strong potential in:
- Aircraft component manufacturing
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
- Skill development and aviation training
- India’s domestic civil aviation sector has shown consistent double-digit growth, driven by rising air traffic, infrastructure expansion, and investment under UDAN and PM Gati Shakti initiatives.
About ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
- Full Form: International Civil Aviation Organization
- Established: 1944 (through the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also called the Chicago Convention)
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
- Member States: 193
- Parent Body: United Nations (Specialized Agency)
- Objective: To promote safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable international civil aviation.
Governance Structure of ICAO
ICAO Assembly
- The sovereign body of ICAO.
- Comprises all 193 Member States of the Chicago Convention.
- Meets every three years to set global aviation policies and elect the Council.
- The 42nd Assembly was held in September 2025 in Montreal, Canada.
ICAO Council
- Permanent governing body of ICAO.
- Consists of 36 member States elected for a three-year term.
- Responsible for implementing policies, standards, and recommendations set by the Assembly.
- Divided into three parts, each representing different criteria:
| Part | Category | Description |
| Part I | States of chief importance in air transport | e.g., USA, UK, France |
| Part II | States making the largest contribution to facilities for international civil air navigation | India, China, Brazil, etc. |
| Part III | States ensuring representation of major geographic regions of the world | Countries from Africa, Asia-Pacific, etc. |
Functions of ICAO
- Sets global standards for civil aviation safety, air navigation, and environmental performance.
- Develops regulations for air transport facilitation, efficiency, and economic growth.
- Coordinates cooperation among member states for aviation research, training, and accident investigation.
- Promotes international agreements to liberalize air transport markets and ensure uniform safety protocols.
- Acts as a legal and technical platform for developing international aviation law and frameworks for dispute resolution.
- Supports capacity-building through initiatives like the No Country Left Behind program.
Significance of India’s Re-election
Global Recognition:
- Reaffirms India’s growing influence in shaping international aviation policy.
Aviation Diplomacy:
- Strengthens India’s position in global aviation governance and multilateral cooperation.
Economic Impact:
- Supports India’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub under Viksit Bharat 2047.
Sustainability Leadership:
- Positions India as a key voice in green aviation initiatives and climate-resilient infrastructure.
International Collaboration:
- Facilitates exchange of best practices, capacity-building, and technology transfer among ICAO member nations.
The Chicago Convention (1944)
- Full Name: Convention on International Civil Aviation
- Signed on: December 7, 1944
- Came into force: April 4, 1947
- Purpose: To promote safe and orderly development of international civil aviation and establish ICAO.
- Outcome: Creation of ICAO as a specialized UN agency.
- India’s Role: One of the original signatories and founding members.
India’s Aviation Sector
- Regulating Authority: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Policy Framework: National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016
- Flag Carrier Airline: Air India (now under Tata Group)
- Major Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (one of the busiest in Asia)
- Ongoing Schemes:
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) — regional air connectivity scheme.
- Krishi Udan Scheme — promoting agricultural exports through air cargo.
- Nabh Nirman and GAGAN Satellite System — to enhance air navigation efficiency.
About “No Country Left Behind” Initiative
- Launched by ICAO to ensure that all nations have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable air transport.
- Focuses on capacity building, training, and technical assistance for developing states.