Bimal N. Patel Appointed as ITLOS Judge

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | International Relations

Why in News?

Recently, Dr. Bimal N. Patel took oath as ITLOS Judge.

Elected at – 36^th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Held at – United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Seven members were elected to the Tribunal at the meeting.
Members are elected with due regard to:
- Equitable geographical distribution
- Representation of the principal legal systems of the world.

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

It functions as an independent international judicial body.
Established under – United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Headquartered in – Hamburg, Germany.
Composition – 21 independent members.
Election – Members are elected by the States Parties to UNCLOS.
Term – 9 years.
Key Functions
It adjudicates disputes regarding the interpretation and application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It addresses disputes pertaining to the following areas:
- Maritime boundary delimitation.
- Freedom of navigation.
- Protection of the marine environment.
- Conservation and management of marine resources.
- Regulation of deep seabed activities.
- Facilitation of the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes.
Significance
- It strengthens India's engagement with international maritime law.
- It supports the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes.
- It enhances the importance of ocean governance and maritime security.
- Aligns with India's engagement in the Indian Ocean and the Global South.
- Vision MAHASAGAR: “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions”; articulated in March 2025 as an evolution of the SAGAR vision.

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