India and Seychelles Deepen Blue Economy Partnership With Focus on Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Technology

India and Seychelles have moved to strengthen their maritime partnership through expanded cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the Blue Economy, with both countries exploring a dedicated bilateral framework covering technology, research, capacity building and sustainable use of marine resources.

A high-level Seychelles delegation led by Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy Minister Wallace Cosgrow held discussions with India’s Department of Fisheries in New Delhi on August 25. The Indian side was led by Department of Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi. The talks reviewed existing cooperation while identifying new areas where the two Indian Ocean partners could develop joint programmes.

Fisheries and the wider Blue Economy were identified as important drivers of employment, food security and sustainable economic growth. India highlighted the expansion of its fisheries sector, with national fish production reaching about 19.7 million tonnes and seafood exports valued at approximately $8.46 billion.

The two sides discussed cooperation in marine aquaculture, modern hatcheries, tuna fisheries, fish-stock assessment, post-harvest technologies and marine conservation. Greater technical exchanges, fisheries extension services and specialised institutional training are also being considered.

Technology emerged as an important part of the proposed partnership. India and Seychelles explored collaboration in fisheries data platforms, monitoring, control and surveillance systems, and the application of Artificial Intelligence in fisheries and harvest management. Opportunities were also identified in tuna processing, product diversification and sustainable utilisation of fish waste.

Both countries are considering mechanisms to translate scientific cooperation into commercial and operational projects. These could include reciprocal access to laboratories, joint pilot projects, regulatory coordination and greater use of national Centres of Excellence for technical training and research.

Seychelles expressed particular interest in accelerating negotiations for a dedicated Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries and aquaculture, accompanied by an advanced work programme. Such an arrangement could institutionalise regular interaction between government agencies, researchers and technical specialists from the two countries.

The initiative adds another practical dimension to the India–Seychelles relationship in the Indian Ocean, moving cooperation beyond conventional maritime engagement towards sustainable fisheries, marine technology and economic development. A structured annual programme could eventually create a durable platform through which both countries jointly develop fisheries resources while strengthening marine conservation and coastal livelihoods.

Source: PIB: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2303394&reg=48&lang=1