India Clinches Historic Presidency of International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for 2025–2028
Brussels : In a landmark achievement, India has been elected as the President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the term 2025–2028. The election took place on June 3, 2025, during the Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting in Brussels, where India received 87 votes, defeating Austria, which secured 54 votes. This marks a historic first in the 100-year history of IIAS the first time the presidency has been decided by a ballot process.
India was represented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), which has been a member of the IIAS since 1998. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had nominated Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary DARPG, as India’s candidate for the presidency in November 2024.
The path to India’s victory involved months of preparation and diplomatic engagement. Hearings for the IIAS Presidency were held in February 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during the Annual IIAS Conference. Initially, four nations – India, South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain – presented their candidatures. The Council of Administration shortlisted India, South Africa, and Austria. However, South Africa withdrew in May 2025, setting the stage for a final contest between India and Austria.
Out of the 141 total votes cast, India received 61.7% support, signaling strong global backing for India’s leadership in public administration and governance reforms.
The Indian Presidency will be driven by the guiding philosophy of “Maximum Governance – Minimum Government”, as envisioned by PM Narendra Modi. The agenda will focus on:
Documenting Next Generation Administrative Reforms
Promoting Digital Empowerment of Citizens
Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Institutions
Bridging the Global North-South Divide through inclusivity and cooperation.
The IIAS is an international federation comprising 31 member countries, 20 national sections, and 15 academic research centers, working collaboratively on scientific research in public administration. Prominent member countries include Japan, China, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, Morocco, Indonesia, and others.
Though not formally affiliated with the United Nations, the IIAS maintains a close working relationship with the UN, actively participating in bodies like the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN).
India’s successful bid reflects global recognition of its reforms-driven governance model and reaffirms its growing leadership role in shaping international administrative thought and practice.
The acceptance speech delivered by Secretary DARPG Shri V. Srinivas to the IIAS Council of Administration is available as an official document.
