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AI to Boost India's Blue Economy: Experts Highlight Ocean Management Role

Experts at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 emphasized AI's crucial role in strengthening India's maritime management, disaster response, and the broader blue economy. Dr. M. Mohapatra highlighted how technology has reduced losses from extreme weather and stressed the need for AI models to complement traditional ones for climate challenges. Norway's Ambassador May-Elin Stener pointed to the growing India-Norway partnership and how AI on open digital foundations can enhance fisheries, shipping, and coastal resilience. Panelists concluded that India is uniquely positioned to lead the Global South by developing integrated digital ocean infrastructure powered by AI and open data.

Key Points: AI's Role in India's Blue Economy & Ocean Management

  • AI strengthens maritime management
  • Enhances disaster response systems
  • Improves marine livelihoods & fisheries
  • Supports global digital ocean framework
2 min read

AI can play key role in boosting India's blue economy: Experts

Experts at India AI Summit say AI can strengthen maritime management, disaster response, and marine livelihoods, positioning India as a global leader.

"Technological advancements have significantly reduced loss of life and property during extreme weather events. - Dr. M. Mohapatra"

New Delhi, Feb 19

Artificial Intelligence can play a crucial role in strengthening India's maritime management, disaster response systems, marine livelihoods and overall blue economy, experts said on Thursday.

The discussion took place during a panel session titled 'AI for Oceans of Tomorrow: Data, Models and Governance' at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 here.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Director General of Meteorology Dr. M. Mohapatra, in his keynote address, highlighted the vital role oceans play in climate regulation, disaster risk reduction, food security and livelihoods.

He underlined India's strong national capabilities in ocean observation, cyclone forecasting, marine data systems and early warning services.

"Technological advancements have significantly reduced loss of life and property during extreme weather events," he noted.

Dr. Mohapatra also stressed the importance of data-driven and AI-enabled models as a complement to traditional physical models, especially in addressing the growing impacts of climate change such as ocean warming, acidification and rising sea levels.

Addressing the session, Norway's Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, highlighted the expanding India-Norway partnership in the areas of oceans and the blue economy.

She said that when AI is developed on open, interoperable and trustworthy digital foundations, it can significantly enhance fisheries management, shipping efficiency, port operations and coastal resilience.

Stener added that India's leadership in digital public infrastructure positions it well to help build a global digital ocean framework based on open data, shared standards and responsible digital governance.

"Such a framework would benefit not only India but the global community as well," she said.

Panelists noted that India is uniquely placed to lead the Global South by developing digital ocean infrastructure that integrates open data, AI-driven intelligence and robust governance frameworks.

They emphasised that AI will be essential for improving marine livelihoods, reducing operational costs and enabling timely, data-based decision-making across all sectors of the blue economy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Glad to see India taking a lead in this. The partnership with Norway sounds promising. However, I hope the focus remains on creating solutions that are affordable and accessible for our local fishermen, not just high-tech projects that stay in labs.
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Vikram M
Our cyclone forecasting is already world-class. Integrating AI can make it even better and save more lives and property. This is a perfect use of technology for public good. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As someone working in tech, the mention of 'open, interoperable and trustworthy digital foundations' is key. India's DPI success with UPI and Aadhaar gives it a unique advantage to build this global framework. Exciting times!
R
Rohit P
Hope this also means more investment in protecting our marine ecosystems. AI can help monitor pollution and illegal fishing. The blue economy is not just about extraction, but also conservation.
M
Michael C
The point about leading the Global South is significant. Many developing nations with coastlines face similar challenges. If India can create a scalable model, it would be a massive contribution to sustainable development worldwide.
A
Ananya R
While the vision is great, execution is everything. We need to ensure the data collected is used ethically and the benefits actually reach the coastal communities

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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