India-Maldives sign MoU to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture ties

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 landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost bilateral collaboration in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture.

This MoU was among the six key agreements exchanged during the State visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the Maldives on July 25, 2025, reinforcing the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

The agreement seeks to advance mutual goals in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. It emphasizes promoting sustainable tuna and deep-sea fishing practices, enhancing aquaculture systems, and supporting eco-tourism based on fisheries. Additionally, it aims to foster scientific research, innovation, and sustainable resource management in the sector.

Key areas of cooperation include:

• Development of fisheries value chains

• Promotion of mariculture and hatchery operations

• Investment in cold storage infrastructure and fish processing

• Trade facilitation and market access

• Capacity building and knowledge exchange

The MoU also outlines joint efforts in training and technical skill development. Focus areas include aquatic animal health, biosecurity, aquaculture farm management, and technical domains such as refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering.

Through this partnership, both India and the Maldives reaffirm their commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable fisheries sector, strengthening food security, livelihoods, and economic growth in the region.