India Secures Presidency of IIAS for 2025–2028 Term

In a significant development for India’s global administrative leadership, India has been elected to the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the 2025–2028 term. V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), will lead the international body headquartered in Brussels. This marks a key recognition of India’s commitment to reforming and modernizing public administration.

Why in News?

On June 3, 2025, India won the presidency of IIAS after defeating Austria in the final round of voting, garnering 87 out of 141 votes (61.7%). The win comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated V. Srinivas for the post in November 2024. The elections were held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with India competing against three other nations: South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain.

About IIAS (International Institute of Administrative Sciences)

• Established: 1930
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• Nature: Independent international association focused on the scientific study of public administration.
• UN Collaboration: Not officially a UN body but actively collaborates on global public administration reforms.

Membership

• 31 Member States
• 20 National Sections
• 15 Academic Research Centres
• Key Members: India, Japan, China, Germany, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Spain, Qatar, etc.

India’s Journey and Victory

• Member Since: 1998 (represented by DARPG)
• Nomination: V. Srinivas nominated by PM Narendra Modi in Nov 2024
• Candidature Support: Strong global backing across continents
• Election Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Final Contenders: India vs Austria

Voting Outcome

• India: 87 votes (61.7%)
• Austria: 54 votes (38.3%)
• Significance: Reinforces India’s growing soft power and thought leadership in governance and reform.

About V. Srinivas

• Position: Secretary, DARPG
• Expertise: Public administration, grievance redressal, digital governance
• Reputation: Known for administrative reforms and digital transformation initiatives
• Role Ahead: Will guide the global agenda on administrative sciences, capacity building, and good governance.

Importance of the Presidency

• Strengthens India’s voice in global governance forums
• Platform to showcase India’s reform model in administrative sciences
• Facilitates international cooperation in e-governance, transparency, and citizen-centric governance
• Enhances India’s collaboration with academic institutions and think tanks