India, Israel Sign Landmark MoU to Boost Fisheries and Blue Economy

New Delhi/Tel Aviv, February 26: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India and Israel on Wednesday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing India’s Blue Economy.

The agreement was signed during the Prime Minister’s historic visit to Israel. The MoU on cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture was formalised between Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter, and India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar.

The pact aims to modernise India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector through technology-driven, sustainable practices while improving the livelihoods of coastal and fishing communities. Officials said the agreement is expected to provide a major boost to India’s Blue Economy initiatives.

Focus on Technology and Sustainability

The MoU lays down a comprehensive framework for cooperation across several priority areas. These include collaboration in advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), water reuse technologies, automation-based farming, and data-driven aquaculture management.

Both countries will work together to develop biosecure and climate-resilient farming models suited for water-scarce and climate-stressed regions. The agreement also emphasises strengthening aquatic disease management through scientific approaches, novel therapeutics, and non-invasive alternatives aimed at enhancing disease resistance.

Cooperation in mariculture will be expanded, including seaweed-based systems and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), with seaweed being explored both as a biofilter and an alternative feed resource. The two sides have also committed to promoting environmentally responsible fishing practices and advancing marine resource conservation through innovation and research.

Centres of Excellence and Capacity Building

A key highlight of the agreement is the establishment of new Indo–Israel Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for Fisheries and Aquaculture. Technical cooperation will also extend to setting up an oceanarium in India.

Capacity building and knowledge exchange will form a central pillar of the partnership. The two countries plan to implement structured exchange programmes, training initiatives, exposure visits, and expert-level interactions for officials, entrepreneurs, and sector stakeholders.

The collaboration is also expected to strengthen linkages between startups, research institutions, and industry players, particularly in water recycling technologies, innovative aquaculture systems, and value-added product development through incubators and innovation ecosystems.

Joint Working Group to Oversee Implementation

To ensure effective execution of the MoU, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted. The JWG will review progress, evaluate annual work plans, and identify new areas of cooperation. It will meet annually, alternating between India and Israel, either in person or virtually. Both sides will appoint nodal officers to coordinate activities under the agreement.

The MoU builds upon the Declaration of Intent signed earlier in January 2026 and reflects the shared commitment of India and Israel to deepen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. Officials from both nations expressed confidence that the partnership will promote innovation, strengthen sustainable development, and contribute significantly to climate-resilient growth in the sector.

With this agreement, India and Israel reaffirm their resolve to expand bilateral collaboration and harness advanced technologies to secure the future of fisheries and coastal livelihoods.

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Source: PIB

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