India hosted 89th General Meeting (GM) of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from 15–19 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Over 2,000 experts from 100+ countries participated to set international electrotechnical standards for a sustainable, all-electric, and connected world. This is the fourth time India is hosting the IEC GM, after 1960, 1997, and 2013.
Key Highlights of IEC GM 2025
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Participants: 2,000+ experts, 100+ countries.
- Exhibition: Largest electrotechnical showcase in India with 75 exhibitors (industries, associations, start-ups).
- Focus Areas: Electric mobility, smart lighting, electronics, IT manufacturing, clean energy solutions.
- LVDC Standardisation:
- India to serve as Global Secretariat for Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) standardisation.
- LVDC is crucial for clean, pollution-free, and energy-efficient systems.
- Young Professionals Programme:
- 93 young professionals to undergo workshops, boot camps, and industry visits.
- Committee Meetings: 150+ Technical & Management Committee sessions to frame next-generation standards.
Significance for India
- Positions India as a leader in global standardisation, especially in LVDC clean technology.
- Enhances India’s role in shaping standards that impact 20% of global trade (by value).
- Offers Indian start-ups and industries a global networking platform.
- Strengthens India’s commitment towards electric mobility, AI-driven innovation, and sustainable growth.
About International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- Established: 1906.
- HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Function: Global body that develops international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies.
- Network: 170+ member countries, 30,000 experts worldwide.
- Impact: Standards influence 99% of the world’s population and nearly 20% of global trade value.
- Key Standards Areas: Renewable energy, smart grids, e-mobility, energy efficiency, electrical safety.
About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- Established: 1986 (earlier Indian Standards Institution, 1947).
- HQ: New Delhi
- Role: India’s National Standards Body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
- Functions:
- Formulation & certification of Indian standards.
- Conformity assessment (ISI mark, Hallmarking).
- International cooperation in standardisation.
Standards in India & Global Relevance
- Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC): Key for solar power integration, rural electrification, energy efficiency.
- Global Standardisation Organisations:
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization): HQ – Geneva; est. 1947.
- IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): HQ – Geneva; est. 1906.
- ITU (International Telecommunication Union): HQ – Geneva; UN agency for telecom/ICT.
- India’s Earlier IEC Hosting Years: 1960 (New Delhi), 1997 (New Delhi), 2013 (New Delhi).