India and Maldives Sign MoU to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in Fisheries and Aquaculture

New Delhi, Jul 26 (KNN) The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. 

The agreement was among six MoUs exchanged during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s State visit to the Maldives on 25th July 2025.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting sustainable tuna and deep-sea fisheries, enhancing aquaculture and resource management, encouraging fisheries-based eco-tourism, and supporting scientific research and innovation across both nations.

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

As part of the initiative, the Maldives plans to enhance its fish processing capabilities by investing in cold storage infrastructure. 

The country also aims to strengthen its aquaculture sector through hatchery development, improved production efficiency, and the diversification of farmed species.

The agreement also provides for training and knowledge exchange programs focusing on aquatic animal health, biosecurity screening, aquaculture farm management, and technical skills in areas such as refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering. 

These initiatives are designed to build long-term sectoral capacity and expertise.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of India and the Maldives to fostering a resilient, innovative, and sustainable fisheries sector that contributes to economic development and regional cooperation.

(KNN Bureau)