By Staff Correspondent
India’s Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ratification of three Protocols relating to amendments in the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), 1944. The Protocols cover Article 3 bis, Article 50 (a) and Article 56, and will establish the privileges and obligations of all contracting states while promoting the adoption of international International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for regulating international air transport.
Since its inception 78 years ago, the Chicago Convention has undergone several amendments, which India has ratified over time. The three Protocols that have been approved for ratification include one to insert Article 3 bis in the Chicago Convention, 1944, which will refrain member states from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight. The second Protocol aims to amend Article 50 (a) of the Chicago Convention, 1944, to raise the strength of the ICAO Council from 36 to 40, while the third Protocol aims to amend Article 56 of the Chicago Convention, 1944, to raise the strength of the Air Navigation Commission from 18 to 21.
The ratification of these Protocols will reinforce India’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation and provide it with a better opportunity to become more instrumental in matters related to international civil aviation. The move is expected to benefit India by strengthening its position on matters related to air transport and facilitating better coordination with other contracting states.
