India adopts people-centric approach to fisheries governance: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, March 28
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday that India has adopted a balanced and people-centric approach to fisheries governance while participating in deliberations at the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation in Cameroon.
Sharing details on social media platform X, Goyal said he addressed the Ministerial Session on Fisheries Subsidies, highlighting that fisheries in India are a vital source of livelihood and food security, supporting over 9 million fishermen, largely from small, traditional and artisanal communities practising sustainable methods.
He also underlined India's longstanding commitment to conservation, citing measures such as the annual fishing ban, and said sustainability has been integral to the country's approach well before it became a global priority.
Goyal also said that the challenge of overcapacity and overfishing is primarily driven by heavily subsidised industrial fleets, and not by small-scale fishermen in developing countries.
He stressed that global decisions must remain fair and should not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.
Goyal also extended India's support for the adoption of the draft decision on fisheries subsidies, while asserting that future outcomes must be equitable and development-oriented, protecting both marine resources and livelihoods.
On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held bilateral meetings with several counterparts. He met UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, and discussed priorities under the MC14 agenda as well as progress towards the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025.
Goyal also held talks with Cameroon's Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, congratulating the country on hosting the WTO Ministerial Conference and appreciating the organisation of the event.
The two sides discussed enhancing bilateral trade, investment and sectoral cooperation.
In another meeting, he interacted with WTO reform minister-facilitators Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chris Bryant, UK Minister of State for Trade Policy.
During these discussions, Goyal reiterated India's support for a reformed, relevant and effective WTO, emphasising the need to uphold core principles such as consensus-based decision-making, Most Favoured Nation (MFN) norms and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) to ensure fairness in global trade.
He also highlighted PM Narendra Modi's vision of strengthening the voice of the Global South in shaping a more inclusive multilateral trading system.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Supporting 9 million livelihoods is no small thing. The annual fishing ban during breeding season is a sensible measure that shows we care about conservation. Hope the global community listens and doesn't punish our small-scale fishers.
As someone who follows global trade policy, it's refreshing to see India championing the cause of the Global South. The principles of S&DT and consensus-based decisions are crucial for a fair system. Good work by Minister Goyal.
The focus on equity is key. Rules made in Geneva or Brussels shouldn't destroy the livelihoods of a fisherman in Kerala or Odisha. Our negotiators must ensure any agreement protects our people first.
While the intent is good, I hope this "people-centric" approach translates to real benefits on the ground. Sometimes policies sound great internationally but the actual fishermen don't see much change. More direct support schemes are needed.
It's about time the world recognized that sustainability isn't a new concept for us. Our coastal communities have lived in harmony with the ocean for centuries. The annual ban is a perfect example of traditional wisdom meeting modern governance.
The bilateral talks on the side are just as important. Progress on the India-UK trade deal
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