India–Seychelles
Prelims:
International
Relations
Mains:
GS Paper II –
India and its Neighbourhood; Bilateral Relations
Current relevance:
India
and Seychelles held a high-level bilateral meeting on 25 August 2026 to
strengthen strategic cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the Blue
Economy.
Highlights:
India–Seychelles
Maritime Cooperation:
1.
It
was hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D).
2.
Both
countries emphasised their deep-rooted maritime partnership and explored
new avenues for sustainable utilisation of marine resources.
3.
Cooperation
is proposed to be expanded in fisheries, aquaculture, advanced scientific
research and capacity-building.
4.
Both
sides recognised such cooperation as important for socio-economic stability,
food and nutritional security across the Indian Ocean Region.
5.
Seychelles
expressed interest in accelerating a dedicated bilateral MoU on fisheries
and aquaculture, supported by an advanced work plan.
Fisheries and
Blue Economy Cooperation:
1.
Both
countries identified fisheries and the broader Blue Economy as important
drivers of economic growth, rural employment and sustainable development.
2.
Areas
identified for potential joint development include:
i.
Marine
aquaculture (mariculture)
and modern hatcheries
ii.
Tuna
fisheries optimisation
and stock assessment
iii.
Advanced
post-harvest engineering
iv.
Marine
conservation
v.
Fisheries
extension services and institutional training
3.
India
highlighted its fish production of 19.7 million tonnes and seafood
exports valued at USD 8.46 billion.
Technology,
Innovation and Sustainable Fisheries:
1.
Cooperation
will focus on strengthening fisheries data systems and Monitoring, Control
and Surveillance (MCS) infrastructure.
2.
Both
sides explored the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in harvest
management.
3.
Particular
emphasis was placed on tuna processing, product diversification and
sustainable fish-waste management.
4.
India
and Seychelles also explored knowledge transfer through technical
studies, fisheries extension services and formal training programmes.
5.
Both
sides stressed responsible harvesting practices, sustainable fisheries
management and technology-driven infrastructure development.
Institutional
Framework:
1.
Seychelles
expressed interest in a dedicated bilateral MoU on fisheries and aquaculture,
supported by an advanced work plan.
2.
Both
sides emphasised institutionalised engagement among administrative
bodies, academic researchers and technical experts for continuous
cooperation.
3.
Cooperation
would be supported through regulatory alignment, reciprocal laboratory
access and national Centres of Excellence.
Way Forward:
1.
Develop
a structured annual work plan to ensure sustained and result-oriented
cooperation.
2.
Accelerate
the commercialisation of joint scientific research and undertake
collaborative pilot projects.
3.
Promote
mutual exposure visits, specialised technical exchanges and knowledge
transfer to strengthen institutional capacity.
4.
Translate
bilateral commitments into impactful action plans for long-term maritime
prosperity.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2303394®=48&lang=1