The Maldives and India have signed an MOU to enhance cooperation in the fields of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives and the Department of Fisheries under India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance bilateral collaboration in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture.

The partnership aims to promote sustainable tuna and deep-sea fisheries, strengthen aquaculture and sustainable resource management, foster fisheries-based eco-tourism, and support innovation and scientific research across both countries.

Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MOU include value chain development, mariculture advancement, trade facilitation, and capacity building within the fisheries sector. As a part of this initiative, the Maldives will scale up its fish processing capabilities by investing in cold storage infrastructure and strengthening the aquaculture sector through hatchery development, improved production efficiency, and the diversification of cultured species.

The MOU also will facilitate training and knowledge exchange programs, with a focus on capacity building in  aquatic animal health, biosecurity screening, aquaculture farm management, and specialized technical fields such as refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering to support long-term skills development within the sector.

This cooperation reflects the shared vision of the Maldives and India to build a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for the fisheries industry.