India to Host the 89th IEC General Meeting in 2025

Why in News ?

• India will host the 89th General Meeting of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in New Delhi from 15–19 September 2025.
• The event aims to advance electrotechnical standards and accelerate a sustainable, fully electric, and connected future.

Numbers and Participation

• Over 2,000 global experts from 100+ countries
• Organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• This is the fourth time India is hosting the IEC General Meeting (previously in 1960, 1997, and 2013)

Inauguration and Key Highlights

• Formal Inauguration: By Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs and New & Renewable Energy
• Exhibition Inauguration: By Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry at Bharat Mandapam

Exhibition Details:

• Dates: 16–19 September 2025
  • 75 exhibitors (leading industries, associations, and start-ups)
• Focus: Smart lighting, electric mobility, electronics, and IT manufacturing
  • Free entry (pre-registration: gm2025.iec.ch)
• Open to the public: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Gate 10 & Gate 4)
  • Over 2,000 students expected from academic institutions

India’s Leadership in Standardization

• India designated as the global secretariat for Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) standardization
• LVDC is crucial for developing clean and pollution-free energy solutions
• According to IEC Vice President Vimal Mahendru:
  • IEC includes ~170 countries
  • Covers 99% of the world’s population
  • Influences ~20% of global trade

Workshops and Technical Committees

• Over 150 technical and management committee meetings
• Special workshops on emerging topics:
  • 15 Sept: Promoting a Sustainable World
  • 16 Sept: Artificial Intelligence – Shaping the Future with Innovation
  • 17 Sept: Shaping the Future of E-Mobility
  • 18 Sept: Building an Inclusive World through Standards
• Objective: To build consensus on next-generation electrotechnical standards and sustainable innovation

Youth Engagement and Innovation Showcase

• IEC Young Professionals Program: 93 participants will join bootcamps, workshops, and industry visits
• BIS Student Chapter & 6-month Internship Program: To provide young engineers with exposure to standards development and industry practices
• At the BIS Pavilion, visitors can take a digital sustainability pledge – for every pledge, BIS will plant a tree across India.

India’s Strategic Role and Future Impact

• Hosting the 89th IEC General Meeting highlights India’s growing global influence in standardization
• Impact on global standards: Indian industry and policymakers will gain leverage to shape international benchmarks
• Alignment with national missions:
  • Make in India
  • Digital India
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)
• India’s leadership in LVDC standardization, electric mobility, smart infrastructure, and renewable energy will make significant contributions to a sustainable global future