Context:

• India hosted the third session of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Council.

Key Points:

• Dates: 8 to 12 December
• Organizer: Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), under the Government of India
• Participants: 42 IALA Council members, three AIMG members, 11 observers, representatives from the IALA Secretariat, and delegates from more than 30 countries
• Inauguration: By Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (virtually)
• This event reflects India’s rising stature in the maritime sector and its leadership role in global maritime navigation.

Objectives:

• Digital access to 75 lighthouse sites, promoting transparency and tourism
• All lighthouses powered by solar energy, with continuous growth in tourism

Digital Ticketing Portal Launched:

• During the inauguration, the minister launched a digital ticketing portal for lighthouse tourism, enabling online booking and visitor management for 70–75 lighthouse sites across the country.
• This portal, under “Ease of Travel” and digital governance, develops maritime heritage as a tourism asset, promotes coastal economy, local employment, and sustainable tourism; and supports revenue transparency and data-driven planning.

Strategic Importance for India:

• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: India aims to transform its maritime sector by 2047. Active participation in IALA supports this vision and positions India as a ‘Global Maritime Power’.
• Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021: India replaced the old ‘Lighthouse Act, 1927’ with this new act aligned with IALA standards, providing a modern legal framework for navigation aids. Hosting this session supports this new policy direction.
• Technological advancement and security: India is adopting advanced technologies to secure its coastline of over 7,500 km and to facilitate trade.
• Leadership of the Global South: IALA is transitioning into an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO). India strongly supports this transition and represents the maritime concerns of developing countries on the global stage.
• Image of a maritime power: Hosting such global forums positions India as a “rule-shaper” capable of leading in the Indo-Pacific on freedom of navigation, safe sea lanes, and standardized navigation aids.
• Blue economy and coastal development: Lighthouse tourism, port-centric industries and alternative livelihood opportunities support coastal communities, aligning with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Digital and green transition: Digital ticketing and fully solar-powered lighthouses reflect India’s commitment to decarbonization and digital public infrastructure in the maritime domain, supporting the future vision of “Smart Ports” and “Smart Coasts”.

‘International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities’ (IALA):

• An intergovernmental organization (IGO) that sets global standards for marine navigation aids
• It is the principal decision-making body of the organization
• Established: 1957
• Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
• Function: A non-profit, international technical organization that develops standards and guidelines for navigation aid (AtoN) systems used in maritime navigation
• India and IALA: India has been a long-term member since 1957 and has been a Council member through DGLL since 1980
• India is an active member and has been elected to the IALA Council for a four-year term (2022–2026)