India today re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation at an assembly of the body at its headquarters in London. <br/><br/>Indian High Commissioner to the UK Y K Sinha represented India at the assembly where India secured the second-highest 144 number of votes from member-countries, just after Germany's 146. <br/>'<br/>India has been one of the earliest members of the IMO, having ratified its convention and joined it as member -state in the year 1959. <br/><br/>India has been elected to the Council of the IMO ever since it started functioning, except for a two-year hiatus during 1983-1984.<br/>'<br/>The IMO Council plays a crucial role in deciding various important matters within the mandate of the IMO, in relation to the global shipping industry and its work strategy and budget.<br/>''''<br/>