The Indian cooperative movement is making a powerful collective appearance in Colombo as leaders from national federations, apex bodies, and major state-level cooperatives gather for the 17th Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly and ICA-AP Board Elections, scheduled from 24 to 28 November 2025.
Many delegates have already reached Sri Lanka, while several others are en route to join what is being described as one of the most significant international cooperative gatherings in recent years. More than 200 international cooperative representatives are expected to participate in the Assembly. Among the key figures attending are Asia-Pacific Region President Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav and ICA-AP Regional Director Balu Iyer, underscoring the strategic importance of the event.
The official inaugural ceremony will take place on 26 November, with Sri Lanka’s Minister for Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, scheduled to address the gathering.
A strong Indian contingent, comprising leaders and officials from IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NCUI, and various state and national-level cooperative institutions, has already arrived. Central to India’s participation this year is the ICA-AP Board election, where the delegation is expected to play a decisive role. According to information available, around 25 Indian voters have jointly authorized only two representatives, Tarun Bhargava of IFFCO and Savitri Singh, Deputy Chief Executive of NCUI, to cast votes on their behalf in the elections slated for 27 November.
NCUI Chairman Dileep Sanghani is unable to attend the Assembly due to an important social obligation, as communicated to this correspondent. However, this has not reduced India’s visibility or influence at the event. With Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav seeking re-election as ICA-AP President, the Indian delegation remains central to the electoral process.
This year’s elections include the posts of President, two Vice Presidents, and members of the Regional Board. While Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav is contesting again for the presidency, the Vice President election has emerged as a significant three-way contest. Three nominees, Adili Wubuli of China, Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah of Malaysia, and Abdelfattah M.Q. Al-Shalabi of Jordan, are vying for the two available Vice President positions, making it one of the closely watched segments of the election.
For the eight seats on the ICA-AP Regional Board, eight nominations, representing Iran, Palestine, Japan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, have been received. With the number of candidates matching the number of available seats, all nominees are expected to be elected unopposed, ensuring balanced regional representation.
Beyond the elections, the Colombo Assembly will offer a wide range of academic, thematic, and policy-focused sessions beginning 24 November. Multiple parallel tracks will address sustainability, digital transformation, policy reforms, cooperative education, youth engagement, and grassroots development. Indian and international experts will present studies on emerging areas such as solar cooperative frameworks, mutual insurance models, digital monitoring systems for PACS, and cooperative-led social justice initiatives.
With India sending one of its largest delegations in recent years and with Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav poised for another term at the helm of ICA-AP, the Colombo Assembly is expected to strengthen India’s leadership role and deepen collaborative ties across the global cooperative movement.
