India Lights Up The World Stage: Hosting The 89th IEC General Meeting 2025

India is all set to host the prestigious 89th General Meeting (GM) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from September 15 to 19, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This event marks the fourth time India has been chosen as the venue after successful editions in 1960, 1997, and 2013, reinforcing the country's growing prominence in the global electrotechnical standards ecosystem. Organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the meeting will convene over 2,000 experts from more than 100 countries to deliberate on international standards critical for driving a sustainable, all-electric, and connected future.

 

Key Highlights Of The IEC 89th General Meeting

 

The event’s inaugural ceremony will be graced by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs and New & Renewable Energy.

 

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, will open the IEC GM Exhibition at Bharat Mandapam, which is expected to be India’s largest electrotechnical showcase.

 

The exhibition running from September 16 to 19 will display innovations in smart lighting, electric mobility, electronics, and IT manufacturing, featuring participation from 75 exhibitors including leading industries, associations, and start-ups.

 

Entry to the exhibition is free with prior registration and open to the public from 2 PM to 6 PM.

 

Over 150 Technical and Management Committee meetings will be held, focusing on next-generation electrotechnical standards with sessions on emerging themes such as artificial intelligence, e-mobility, sustainable development, and inclusive technologies.

 

The IEC Young Professionals Programme will engage 93 young participants through workshops, boot camps, and industry visits to foster global technology leadership.

 

The BIS Pavilion will host a Digital Sustainability Pledge initiative where each pledge taken will lead to a sapling being planted to reinforce commitment to environmental stewardship.

 

India’s Leadership Role And Strategic Vision

India’s designation as the Global Secretariat for Standardisation in Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC)—an essential field for clean and pollution-free energy solutions—highlights its growing influence in international technology standards development. This leadership aligns with India’s national missions such as Make in India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, underscoring a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and domestic industrial growth.

 

Vimal Mahendru, Vice President of IEC, emphasized the commission’s global scale with a membership encompassing about 170 countries covering 99% of the world’s population. IEC standards influence nearly 20% of global trade value, making India’s central role in LVDC standardisation a crucial contribution to the worldwide energy transition agenda.

 

Workshops And Technical Sessions

The meeting’s theme underscores collaboration to foster a sustainable, all-electric, and interconnected world. Notable workshop topics include:

These sessions aim to build consensus on the upcoming generation of electrotechnical standards and their impact on sustainable innovation and global economies.

 

Youth Engagement And Innovation

The IEC Young Professionals Programme and BIS initiatives reflect a focus on nurturing future leadership and integrating standardisation knowledge into education. The public exhibition offers a platform for Indian startups to showcase cutting-edge electrotechnical technologies, promoting industry-academia collaboration.

 

Environmental Initiatives And Public Participation

Visitors to the BIS Pavilion can take a Digital Sustainability Pledge, underlining IEC’s and India’s commitment to green initiatives. For every pledge made, BIS will plant a sapling across its national offices, reinforcing environmental responsibility at a grassroots level.

 

Conclusion: India At The Forefront Of Global Electrotechnical Innovation

Hosting the 89th IEC General Meeting demonstrates India’s rising stature in the international standards community and its readiness to shape future technology frameworks crucial for clean energy, smart cities, and digital infrastructure. The convergence of global experts in New Delhi will foster consensus-building and drive the evolution of standards that support a safer, greener, and more connected world.

 

This gathering not only elevates India’s position as a global innovation hub but also aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of sustainable development and global cooperation.

 

Sources: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), NDTV, Business Standard, PIB India, The Print