In a significant move to bolster sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Fisheries under India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony held in conjunction with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Maldives. 

This agreement lays the foundation for enhanced bilateral collaboration in key areas such as sustainable tuna and deep-sea fisheries, aquaculture development, value chain improvement, and eco-tourism based on marine resources.

Central to the MoU is a joint commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector through innovation, scientific research, and infrastructure development. 

This initiative will allow for the upscaling and expansion of fish processing and cold storage capacities, while also advancing the aquaculture sector via hatchery development, production optimization, and the diversification of cultured species.

The partnership also includes comprehensive training and knowledge exchange programs. 

These initiatives will focus on capacity building in areas such as aquatic animal health, biosecurity, aquaculture farm management, and technical domains including refrigeration systems, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering.

The MoU marks a pivotal step toward fostering resilient, sustainable, and innovation-driven development in the fisheries sector.

The agreement reflects the shared vision of India and the Maldives to ensure food security, protect marine ecosystems, and create long-term economic opportunities for coastal communities.

The MoU is expected to serve as a catalyst for collaborative research, trade facilitation, and regional leadership in marine innovation, benefiting not just the fisheries industry, but also the broader blue economy in the Indian Ocean region.