India and Israel Deepen Fisheries and Aquaculture Cooperation with Joint Ministerial Declaration

This landmark agreement opens new pathways for innovation, sustainability and economic growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors of both nations.

A high-level Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, concluded a successful official visit to Israel from 13–15 January 2026, marking a major milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The delegation participated in the Second Global Summit on “Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026”, held in Eilat, Israel, where global leaders, policymakers and experts deliberated on sustainable blue food systems, innovation, and climate-resilient aquatic food production.

Joint Ministerial Declaration Signed

Recognising the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Israel, their shared commitment to sustainable development, and the critical role of fisheries and aquaculture in food security, livelihoods and economic growth, both countries signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on 14 January 2026 to strengthen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.

The Declaration acknowledges Israel’s advanced technological capabilities in aquaculture, fisheries and water management, alongside India’s vast and diverse aquatic resources, positioning the partnership as mutually beneficial and future-oriented.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The Joint Declaration sets out a comprehensive framework for collaboration, covering multiple strategic and technological areas, including:

• Joint research and development in advanced aquaculture technologies such as:

  • Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)

  • Biofloc systems

  • Cage culture

  • Aquaponics

  • Aquarium systems, including oceanariums

• Breeding and seed development, focusing on:

  • High-yield species

  • Pathogen-free seed improvement

  • Broodstock development

• Genetic improvement programmes and mariculture, including seaweed cultivation

• Water management in aquaculture, leveraging Israeli water-saving and efficiency technologies

• Support for fisheries and aquaculture start-ups, innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship

• Advancement of the Blue Economy through technology-driven and sustainable practices

Sustainable Fishing and Community-Centric Development

The Declaration places strong emphasis on sustainable and responsible fishing practices, aimed at conserving marine resources, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring long-term resilience of fisheries.

Key initiatives include:

• Technology-enabled fisheries monitoring and data collection systems

• Enhanced transparency and traceability for evidence-based fisheries management

• Addressing the socio-economic needs of fishing communities

Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange

Capacity building is a central pillar of the cooperation, with proposed initiatives in:

• Deep-sea fishing technologies

• Vessel design and development

• Coastal aquaculture systems

• Marine resource conservation through innovation

Both sides will explore exchange programmes for fishers, aquafarmers, scientists and policymakers, along with training in:

• Modern fish processing

• Marketing and value addition

• Infrastructure development, including fishing harbours and fish landing centres

Strengthening Trade and Market Access

The Declaration also seeks to enhance bilateral trade in fisheries and aquaculture products through:

• Structured dialogue on exports and imports

• Addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers

• Adoption of technology-driven traceability systems to improve market access and compliance

New Centres of Excellence

A significant highlight of the cooperation is the proposal to explore the establishment of new Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquaculture, modelled on the successful network of 43 Indo-Israel Agricultural Centres of Excellence currently operational in India.

Towards a Climate-Resilient Blue Economy

This landmark agreement opens new pathways for innovation, sustainability and economic growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors of both nations. It reinforces the shared commitment of India and Israel to food security, climate resilience, technological innovation and inclusive development, while further strengthening their strategic bilateral partnership.