New Delhi: India and the Maldives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, marking a fresh phase of collaboration between the two nations. The agreement was signed during the Prime Minister’s state visit to the Maldives on 25 July 2025 and is one of six MoUs exchanged between the two countries during the visit.

The new partnership will focus on promoting sustainable tuna and deep-sea fishing practices, strengthening aquaculture systems, and encouraging fisheries-based eco-tourism. Innovation and joint scientific research will also form a key part of the cooperation.

The MoU outlines collaboration in a range of areas including value chain development, mariculture expansion, trade facilitation, and capacity building. As part of the initiative, the Maldives will invest in upgrading fish processing capabilities, particularly through improved cold storage infrastructure. Efforts will also be made to strengthen hatcheries, raise production efficiency, and diversify species under cultivation.

The agreement will also pave the way for training and knowledge exchange between the two countries. Areas of focus will include aquatic animal health, biosecurity screening, aquaculture farm management, and technical training in refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering.

This cooperation reflects a shared intention to equip the fisheries sector in both countries with the tools and knowledge needed to become more innovative, efficient, and resilient.

BI Bureau