India, Seychelles to Deepen Ties in Fisheries and Blue Economy
India and Seychelles have committed to enhancing bilateral collaboration in fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy, emphasizing sustainable management of marine resources, technological advancement, capacity development, and scientific research.
The pact was finalized during an elevated bilateral conference organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in New Delhi on August 25.
The Seychelles team was spearheaded by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow, while the Indian team was directed by Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi.
The two parties examined current cooperation frameworks and explored new collaboration areas focused on enhancing the sustainable use of marine resources and bolstering the maritime partnership between both nations. India reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing technical collaboration with Seychelles in areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, scientific research, and capacity development.
Both parties acknowledged the significance of collaboration in these areas to foster socio-economic stability and ensure food and nutritional security in the Indian Ocean Region.
In the talks, the delegations recognized fisheries and the larger blue economy as key contributors to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. India showcased the expansion of its fisheries sector, indicating that national fish output has hit 19.7 million tonnes, and seafood exports are worth USD 8.46 billion. The Indian government also presented its efforts related to sustainable fisheries management, responsible harvesting, and technology-based infrastructure development.
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The conversations explored various fields for possible collaborative growth, such as marine aquaculture, contemporary hatcheries, tuna fisheries, fish stock evaluation, post-harvest technology, and marine conservation. Both nations also examined avenues for knowledge exchange via technical research, fisheries outreach services, and institutional training programs.
The conversations prominently included digital transformation and the application of emerging technologies. Both parties investigated collaboration in fisheries data systems and infrastructure for monitoring, control, and surveillance, while also looking into the possible application of artificial intelligence in managing harvests.
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Significant focus was given to enhancing fisheries value chains, particularly in tuna processing and product variety, along with the sustainable management of fish byproducts. To maintain continuous advancement, both parties emphasized the importance of a systematic yearly work plan, regulatory conformity, quicker commercialization of collaborative scientific studies, mutual access to laboratories, and the creation of joint pilot initiatives.
The Seychelles delegation conveyed their eagerness to accelerate the execution of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding centered solely on fisheries and aquaculture, backed by a comprehensive work plan. The Seychelles side also highlighted the need for formalizing collaboration among administrative authorities, academic institutions, researchers, and technical experts from both countries to guarantee ongoing cooperation.
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The meeting addressed mutual exposure visits, specialized technical exchanges, and increased utilization of national Centres of Excellence in both nations for developing institutional capacity and exchanging best practices.
The meeting ended with both parties reiterating their dedication to transforming the current diplomatic partnership into actionable and results-focused initiatives that promote sustainable fisheries, enhance the blue economy, and support long-term maritime prosperity for India and Seychelles.