India and Maldives join hands to boost tuna fishing, aquaculture, eco-tourism, and capacity building through a new fisheries partnership.
In a move that promises to deepen blue economy ties and strengthen regional collaboration, India and the Maldives have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.
The MoU was among six agreements exchanged during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Maldives on July 25, underscoring the commitment of both nations to build a sustainable and resilient marine sector.
Shared Vision for Sustainable Fishing
Signed between India’s Department of Fisheries (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying) and the Maldivian Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the agreement sets the course for a new chapter in bilateral marine cooperation.
The focus areas include:
- Sustainable tuna and deep-sea fisheries
- Aquaculture development and diversification
- Fisheries-based eco-tourism promotion
- Scientific innovation and joint research
Scaling Up Infrastructure & Expertise
Under the agreement, the Maldives will expand fish processing capabilities by investing in cold storage facilities, upgrading hatchery systems, and diversifying aquaculture species to improve efficiency and sustainability.
India will also support capacity-building programs to strengthen the island nation’s fisheries infrastructure and technical skills, covering aquatic animal health, biosecurity, farm management, and engineering support in refrigeration and marine technologies.
Building Skills, Sharing Knowledge
A major component of the MoU is the creation of training and knowledge exchange platforms aimed at long-term sectoral growth. Technical experts from both nations will work together to raise standards in aquatic health, biosecurity screening, and farm management practices.
This people-centric collaboration will enable young professionals, researchers, and marine engineers to benefit from mutual expertise and foster regional excellence in sustainable aquaculture.
A Resilient Blue Partnership
The new fisheries MoU is more than a policy agreement; it’s a commitment to the shared blue economy vision of India and the Maldives. Both countries are striving to enhance food security, promote marine biodiversity, and create income opportunities for coastal communities.
As the Indo-Pacific region grapples with climate and marine resource challenges, this partnership is a timely step toward innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.
Source: PIB
