India has sought assistance of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, to promote technical co-operation and technology transfer relating to improvement of the energy efficiency of ships. In a meeting between, Shipping Minister G.K.Vasan and IMO Secretary General, Koji Sekimizu in New Delhi, Mr Vasan also asked for assistance of the IMO for providing mandatory training for the Indian seafarers in ships from its member countries who pass out from maritime training institutes.

The Minister also added that there is a need for a balanced, fair and effective initiative by IMO to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships, in consistence with the climate change regime under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol.

During the meeting, Mr Vasan also sought intervention by the IMO for early release of 43 Indian seafarers held captive by Somali pirates. He also stressed the need for taking effective measures to counter piracy.