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Key Points

India and the Maldives have signed a fisheries and aquaculture MoU to enhance sustainable fishing practices. The agreement includes infrastructure upgrades and skill development programs. This is part of six agreements signed during PM Modi's state visit. The collaboration aims to strengthen economic ties and resource management between both nations.

Key Points: India Maldives Sign Fisheries Aquaculture MoU During Modi Visit

  • New MoU strengthens tuna and deep-sea fisheries collaboration
  • Focus on aquaculture development and mariculture advancement
  • Includes cold storage and hatchery infrastructure upgrades
  • Promotes training programs in aquatic health and marine engineering
2 min read

India, Maldives to boost bilateral cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture

India and Maldives boost fisheries cooperation with new MoU focusing on tuna fishing, aquaculture, and sustainable resource management during PM Modi's visit.

"This cooperation reflects our shared vision for a resilient and sustainable fisheries industry - Ministry of Fisheries"

New Delhi, July 26

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and the Maldives to enhance bilateral collaboration in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture aims to promote sustainable tuna and deep-sea fisheries, strengthen aquaculture and sustainable resource management, foster fisheries-based eco-tourism, and support innovation and scientific research across both the countries, the government said on Saturday.

The Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives have signed an MoU to enhance bilateral collaboration in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture.

The MoU is part of six MOUs exchanged between India and Maldives during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the island nation, according to Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include value chain development, mariculture advancement, trade facilitation, and capacity building within the fisheries sector.

As part of this initiative, the Maldives will scale up its fish processing capabilities by investing in cold storage infrastructure and strengthening the aquaculture sector through hatchery development, improved production efficiency, and the diversification of cultured species.

The collaboration also will facilitate training and knowledge exchange programs, with a focus on capacity building in aquatic animal health, biosecurity screening, aquaculture farm management, and specialised technical fields such as refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering to support long-term skills development within the sector.

According to the ministry, the cooperation reflects the shared vision of India and Maldives to build a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for the fisheries industry.

Several agreements across diverse sectors were signed which reaffirmed the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives.

These include agreement for a Line of Credit (LoC) of Rs 4,850 crore to the Maldives; amendatory agreement on reducing annual debt repayment obligations of the Maldives on Indian government-funded LoCs; to launch the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA)-Terms of Reference; MoU on cooperation in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture; MoU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry of Tourism and Environment; and an MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation, among others.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the initiative, I hope proper environmental safeguards are in place. Overfishing is already a major concern in our waters. Sustainable practices should be the top priority.
A
Arjun K
Great strategic move! This strengthens our ties with Maldives while boosting our blue economy. The skills exchange programs will create new job opportunities for our coastal youth. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As someone working in marine conservation, I'm particularly happy about the focus on sustainable tuna fisheries. Both countries have rich marine biodiversity that needs protection while supporting livelihoods.
K
Karthik V
The Rs 4,850 crore LoC is significant! Hope our fishermen get access to better technology and markets through this partnership. Our seafood exports could get a major boost.
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Nisha Z
Fishery-based eco-tourism sounds exciting! Could create wonderful opportunities for both countries. Imagine houseboat stays combined with sustainable fishing experiences. 🎣
M
Michael C
The technical training components are impressive - refrigeration, marine engineering etc. This is how you build long-term capacity rather than just giving aid. Smart diplomacy by India.

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