New Delhi: India and Seychelles have agreed to deepen strategic cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy, with a focus on sustainable marine resource management, technology and capacity building.
The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying hosted a high-level bilateral meeting with a Seychelles delegation in New Delhi on August 25. The Seychelles delegation was led by Wallace Cosgrow, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy, while the Indian side was headed by Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries.
The two sides reviewed existing cooperation mechanisms and discussed a roadmap for expanding collaboration in fisheries, aquaculture, scientific research and sustainable utilisation of marine resources.
India highlighted its growing fisheries sector, noting that national fish production has reached 19.7 million tonnes, while seafood exports are valued at around USD 8.46 billion.
The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including marine aquaculture, modern hatcheries, tuna fisheries, fish-stock assessment, post-harvest technology and marine conservation. Both countries also explored technical studies, fisheries extension services and institutional training programmes.
Digital transformation emerged as another key area of cooperation. The two sides discussed fisheries data systems, monitoring, control and surveillance infrastructure, and the possible use of Artificial Intelligence in fisheries management.
Particular attention was given to strengthening the tuna value chain through processing, product diversification and sustainable management of fish waste.
The Seychelles delegation expressed interest in concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries and aquaculture, supported by a structured work plan and institutional mechanisms for regular engagement among government officials, researchers and technical experts.
The two sides also agreed on the importance of mutual exposure visits, specialised technical exchanges and collaboration among Centres of Excellence.
The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to translating bilateral understanding into concrete, result-oriented initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries, food security and long-term blue-economy development across the Indian Ocean region.
