India, Seychelles step up cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy

New Delhi: India and Seychelles have agreed to strengthen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the wider blue economy, with a focus on sustainable marine resources, technology, research and capacity building.

The discussions took place during a high-level bilateral meeting hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, on August 25. The Seychelles delegation was led by Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow, while the Indian side was led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries.

The two sides reviewed existing cooperation and discussed a roadmap for deeper collaboration in fisheries and sustainable use of marine resources.

India and Seychelles recognised fisheries and the blue economy as important areas for economic growth, rural employment, food security and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.

During the meeting, India highlighted its progress in the fisheries sector, including fish production of 19.7 million tonnes and seafood exports worth USD 8.46 billion.

The Indian delegation also shared its experience in sustainable fisheries management, responsible harvesting and technology-based fisheries infrastructure.

The discussions covered several areas where the two countries could work together, including marine aquaculture, modern hatcheries, tuna fisheries, fish stock assessment and post-harvest technology.

Marine conservation and better management of marine resources were also identified as important areas for cooperation.

Both sides discussed knowledge-sharing through technical studies, fisheries extension programmes and institutional training.

Technology and digital systems also featured prominently in the discussions.

India and Seychelles explored cooperation in fisheries data systems, monitoring, control and surveillance infrastructure, as well as the use of Artificial Intelligence in fisheries management.

The two countries also discussed opportunities to strengthen the tuna value chain, including processing, product diversification and sustainable management of fish waste.

The Seychelles delegation expressed interest in moving towards a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding focused specifically on fisheries and aquaculture, supported by a detailed work plan.

Both sides also discussed creating stronger institutional links between government agencies, researchers and technical experts to ensure regular cooperation.

The proposed framework could help support technical exchanges, joint studies and the development of pilot projects in areas of mutual interest.

The two countries agreed on the importance of regular technical exchanges, exposure visits and greater use of national Centres of Excellence to strengthen institutional capacity.

The meeting also highlighted the need for annual work plans, regulatory coordination, joint research and reciprocal access to laboratories.

The discussions mark another step towards closer India-Seychelles cooperation in fisheries and the blue economy, with both sides looking to turn technical and diplomatic engagement into practical projects for sustainable marine development.