Permanent Mission of India
New York
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 Agenda Item 8(a) - Annual Report of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Statement by S. Senthil Kumar, Director, Legal and Treaties Division, Ministry of External Affairs
17 June 2026

Mr. President,

At the outset, I wish to extend our delegation’s sincere congratulations to you and the members of the Bureau on your election to preside over the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India assures you of its full support and constructive engagement throughout this session. We also express our appreciation to the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) for their diligent preparations for this important meeting.

We further thank Judge Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), for his comprehensive presentation of the Tribunal’s Annual Report covering the period 1 January to 31 December 2025, as contained in document SPLOS/36/2. We extend our appreciation to the Registrar and the Secretariat of the Tribunal for their continued dedication in supporting its judicial and administrative functions.

Mr. President,

India reaffirms the central importance of ITLOS as an independent and authoritative judicial body established under UNCLOS. The Tribunal plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law at sea and ensuring the uniform interpretation and application of the Convention. In doing so, ITLOS contributes significantly to the maintenance of international peace and security, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the promotion of a stable and predictable legal order for the oceans.

As an institution, ITLOS also plays an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable ocean governance, including the protection of the marine environment and the promotion of equitable and balanced utilization of marine resources. These functions are indispensable in advancing the broader objectives of UNCLOS, including economic development, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation.

Mr. President,

India welcomes the Tribunal’s continued judicial work during the reporting period, including its handling of complex maritime disputes and its advisory and procedural functions. In particular, India takes note of the Tribunal’s jurisprudential contributions through its ongoing consideration of cases such as the M/T “Heroic Idun” (No. 2) proceedings and the “Zheng He” case, which underscore the Tribunal’s evolving role in the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes.

Mr. President,

India appreciates the Tribunal’s continued efforts in strengthening capacity-building and knowledge-sharing activities. Training programmes, internships, and workshops play a critical role in enhancing the understanding and effective implementation of UNCLOS, particularly among developing countries.

We strongly believe that such initiatives should be further expanded and made more inclusive, with increased opportunities for participants from developing and least developed countries, as well as small island developing States. We also acknowledge the important contributions of voluntary trust funds and institutional partners in supporting these efforts.

Mr. President,

India reiterates its support for ITLOS and its mandate under UNCLOS. India also underscores the importance of ensuring that the work of ITLOS continues to reflect the diversity of perspectives of States Parties, including developing countries, archipelagic States, and other geographically vulnerable nations whose livelihoods are closely linked to the oceans.

In conclusion, India reaffirms its strong commitment to UNCLOS and to the role of ITLOS in the peaceful settlement of disputes and the progressive development of international law of the sea.

I thank you, Mr. President.