India and the Maldives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, marking a significant step towards sustainable development and climate resilience in the region. The agreement, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives, is one of six bilateral pacts aimed at promoting cooperation in areas such as sustainable tuna and deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, and marine science.
The MoU seeks to transform the fisheries ecosystem in the Indian Ocean by promoting environmentally responsible fishing practices, strengthening aquaculture systems, and advancing marine science collaboration. The partnership will enable the Maldives to improve its fish processing and value addition capabilities, while India will provide technical expertise in areas such as hatchery upgrades, aquatic animal health, and biosecurity screening.
A key aspect of the collaboration is its focus on capacity building, with specialized training programs in areas such as refrigeration and mechanical engineering, marine technology, and disease surveillance. These initiatives are expected to create a skilled workforce capable of driving long-term productivity and sustainability gains in the blue economy.
The agreement represents a bold step in “blue diplomacy,” linking trade, innovation, and environmental stewardship to address the pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific region. By anchoring fisheries development in science, infrastructure, and shared vision, the India-Maldives MoU sends a clear message that regional partnerships can lead the way in building a resilient and regenerative ocean economy.
The partnership has the potential to create a globally competitive tuna value chain, with India and the Maldives working together to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices. The MoU also emphasizes the importance of integrating eco-tourism into fisheries-based livelihoods, recognizing the urgent need to move beyond extraction-based models and towards regenerative, climate-smart marine resource management.
Overall, the India-Maldives MoU marks a significant step towards deepening regional maritime cooperation and promoting sustainable development in the Indian Ocean. By working together, the two nations can create a more resilient and regenerative ocean economy, with benefits extending beyond the fisheries sector to the broader region.