India and Seychelles hold high-level bilateral meeting to strengthen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the Blue Economy

What happened: India and Seychelles hold a high-level fisheries and Blue Economy meeting

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, hosted a high-level bilateral meeting on 25 August with a delegation from the Republic of Seychelles. The Seychelles delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy, and the Indian delegation was led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries.

The meeting was used to review existing frameworks, identify new avenues of mutual interest, and agree on a collaborative roadmap for sustainable marine resource utilization. Both sides linked the fisheries sector and the broader Blue Economy to economic growth, rural employment, and sustainable development, while also connecting cooperation to socio-economic stability and food and nutritional security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Background and earlier position: maritime partnership and technical cooperation priorities

India’s leadership described India’s commitment to expanding technical cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, advanced scientific research, and capacity-building. The Seychelles delegation and the Indian side emphasized alignment between administrative bodies, academic researchers, and technical experts as important for meaningful and continuous cooperation.

India shared national achievements and ongoing initiatives in sustainable fisheries management and responsible harvesting practices, along with technology-driven infrastructure development. The Indian delegation stated that national fish production has reached 19.7 million tonnes and seafood exports are valued at USD 8.46 billion.