In a move to enhance bilateral cooperation, India and the Maldives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on fisheries and aquaculture. This agreement was finalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives on 25th July 2025, part of a set of six MoUs exchanged between the two nations.
The MoU aims to promote sustainable tuna and deep-sea fishing, improve aquaculture, strengthen resource management, and encourage fisheries-related eco-tourism. It also emphasises the importance of scientific research and innovation in both countries.
Key aspects of the collaboration include developing the value chain, advancing mariculture, facilitating trade, and boosting capacity building within the fisheries sector. The Maldives plans to enhance its fish processing capabilities by investing in cold storage infrastructure and developing its aquaculture sector through hatchery improvements and production efficiency.
Additionally, the agreement includes training programs to foster knowledge exchange in areas such as aquatic animal health, biosecurity, and aquaculture management. There will also be a focus on specialised technical fields like refrigeration and marine engineering, aimed at long-term skills development.
