India wins Presidency of International Institute of Administrative Sciences

India, via the Department of Administrative Reforms, has been a Member State of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences since 1998. The International Institute of Administrative Sciences consists of 31 Member Countries, 20 National Sections, and 15 Academic Research Centres working together on scientific research related to public administration. Important member nations consist of – India, Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, Morocco, Indonesia, and so on.

The IIAS has a strong collaborative relationship with the United Nations and is involved in the UN’s Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN). Although the IIAS is not an officially connected organization of the UN, it actively participates in the UN’s activities related to public administration.

In November 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi nominated Secretary DARPG Shri V. Srinivas for the Indian candidacy for the IIAS Presidency for 2025-2028. The IIAS Presidency hearings took place in February 2025, with India, South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain taking part before the IIAS Council of Administration.

After the hearings, the General Body of IIAS received the candidacies of India, South Africa, and Austria for the next stage. In May 2025, South Africa stepped back from its candidacy to support India. The election took place on June 3, 2025, involving India and Austria, where a total of 141 votes were cast. India received 87 votes (61.7 percent), while Austria obtained 54 votes (38.3 percent). India’s nomination garnered extensive backing from various members.

The Indian Presidency of the IIAS will take forward the vision of the Prime Minister Modi for “Maximum Governance – Minimum Government” documenting the next generation administrative reforms with focus on digital empowerment of citizens and digital transformation of institutions. The Indian Presidency will seek to bridge the North – South Dividewith focus on unity and inclusivity.