The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) announced that Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) has joined the trade body as a full member, strengthening global cooperation across the global shipping industry and enhancing representation from one of the world’s most relevant maritime nations.
INSA represents the interests of Indian shipping companies and plays a central role in advancing India’s maritime sector, including fleet development, maritime education, and engagement with national and international regulatory bodies.
Its membership brings valuable regional perspective and adds to the industry expertise with ICS as it continues to advocate for practical, global solutions on essential matters across shipping including seafarer welfare, digitalization, and sustainability issues such as decarbonization and ship recycling.
ICS said INSA’s admission comes at a moment when India’s role in global shipping is expanding and its perspectives are increasingly important to international regulatory debates.
“We are delighted to welcome the Indian National Shipowners’ Association into the International Chamber of Shipping. India plays an increasingly important role in global shipping, not only through its shipping companies and growing maritime industry, but also through its strong maritime education sector and its wider contribution to the global economy,” said Thomas A. Kazakos, secretary general of the ICS.
“The country’s strategic importance to international trade and shipping makes INSA’s participation especially valuable as we work together to address the challenges and opportunities facing our industry worldwide. I look forward to INSA’s valuable insights at ICS Committees and Panels.”
Anil Devli, Indian National Shipowners’ Association CEO, said INSA’s entry comes as India’s shipping sector seeks a stronger voice in global maritime discussions and regulatory forums.
Devli, added: “Joining the International Chamber of Shipping marks an important step for INSA and for the Indian shipping community. As global shipping evolves and global politics continues to churn, it is essential that Indian shipping companies are heard as they endeavour to actively contribute to international discussions and policymaking.”
“We look forward to working closely with ICS members to support a safe, sustainable and efficient global shipping industry while ensuring the perspectives of Indian shipping are effectively represented at the global level, particularly at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).”
ICS represents national shipowners’ associations and shipping companies from across the world, from over 40 countries and territories in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa, covering the vast majority of the global merchant fleet.
The addition of INSA further reinforces ICS’s commitment to inclusive global representation and collaboration across all major maritime regions.
ICS also represents all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet.
