India-Seychelles Bilateral Meeting Focuses on Fisheries & Blue Economy Cooperation

New Delhi, Aug 26 (KNN) India and Seychelles held a high-level bilateral meeting on August 25 to explore cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy, with discussions focusing on sustainable marine resource development, technology and capacity building.

The meeting was led by Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, on the Indian side and Wallace Cosgrow, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy, on behalf of Seychelles.

Both sides discussed potential cooperation in areas including marine aquaculture, hatchery development, tuna fisheries, stock assessment, post-harvest technology, marine conservation and fisheries research.

The discussions also covered the use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, fisheries data systems, monitoring and surveillance infrastructure, and value-chain development for tuna processing and fish waste management.

India highlighted its fisheries sector growth, with national fish production reaching 19.7 million tonnes and seafood exports valued at USD 8.46 billion.

Seychelles expressed interest in developing a dedicated bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries and aquaculture, supported by a structured work plan and institutional cooperation.

Both countries also agreed on the importance of technical exchanges, training, joint research, reciprocal laboratory access and pilot projects to strengthen long-term cooperation in the fisheries and blue economy sectors.

(KNN Bureau)