What happened?
On June 3, India won the presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the period 2025-2028, polling 87 votes against Austria’s 54 votes in the elections held during the Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting in Brussels. This marks the first time in the IIAS’s 100-year history that the election for president was held by ballot process and the first time India has secured this mandate. India’s candidacy was nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2024, with hearings held in February 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has represented India as a member state of the IIAS since 1998.
Why it matters to India
Securing the IIAS presidency holds significant strategic importance for India, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for “Maximum Governance – Minimum Government”. India’s leadership will focus on documenting Next Generation Administrative Reforms, with an emphasis on the digital empowerment of citizens and the digital transformation of institutions. This presidency also offers India a platform to bridge the North-South divide in public administration, promoting unity and inclusivity within the IIAS’s global membership. By leading this international body, India can showcase its administrative reforms and contribute to global best practices in public administration, enhancing its soft power and influence on the international stage.