India–Israel Deepen Blue Economy Partnership at Global Summit on Blue Food Security 2026

The Union Minister held bilateral meetings with his Israeli counterpart, Mr. Avi Dichter, as well as Ministers from other participating countries.

A high-level Indian delegation led by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, concluded a successful official visit to Israel from 13 to 15 January 2026, marking a significant step forward in India–Israel cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.

The delegation participated in the Second Global Summit on “Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026”, held in Eilat, Israel, a global platform focused on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture innovation and the blue economy. The visit reinforced India’s growing role as a key global stakeholder in blue food systems and sustainable aquatic resource management.

India Highlights Leadership in Fisheries and Blue Economy

The Union Minister participated in the Opening Plenary Session, engaging with Mr. Avi Dichter, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. David Amsalem, Minister for Regional Cooperation, senior government officials and private sector leaders. Ministers and senior delegates from countries including Ghana, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Morocco, Romania and the Philippines were also present.

Speaking at the Global Ministerial Panel on Food Security and the Blue Economy, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh showcased India’s rapid progress in fisheries and aquaculture, underlining the sector’s contribution to livelihoods, nutrition and exports. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable blue economy practices, innovation-driven growth, responsible resource management and international cooperation to address global food security challenges.

Focus on Technology, Startups and Innovation

During the visit, the Minister toured the Ag-Tech Innovation Exhibition, inaugurated by Israel’s Agriculture Minister, and interacted with startups working in fisheries, aquaculture, blue food and marine technologies. He emphasised the critical role of technology, startups and R&D in enhancing productivity, sustainability and resilience in the fisheries sector.

Strengthening Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements

The Union Minister held bilateral meetings with his Israeli counterpart, Mr. Avi Dichter, as well as Ministers from other participating countries. Discussions with Israel focused on expanding cooperation in:

• Trade and investment

• Capacity building and training

• Startup and innovation exchanges

• Joint research and development

• Mariculture and allied sectors

• Sharing of best practices and technologies

A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in Fisheries and Aquaculture between India and Israel. The Declaration reaffirms mutual commitment to technology-led growth, sustainable fishing practices, capacity building and trade, and provides a framework for establishing Joint Centres of Excellence in fisheries and aquaculture.

Engagements with Global Partners and Industry Leaders

The Minister also met Ms. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development of Ghana, to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on sustainable growth, institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The delegation interacted with leading Israeli industry representatives, including:

• Mr. Eli Goldberg, CEO, Aquaculture Production Tech Ltd, on water-efficient and advanced aquaculture systems

• Mr. Shai Ufaz, CEO, ViAqua Therapeutics Ltd, on RNA-based solutions for shrimp health and biosecurity

• Mr. Doron Eisenstadt, CEO, Bar Algae, on microalgae technologies to improve hatchery productivity and seed quality

Advancing Research and Innovation Collaboration

The delegation visited the National Centre for Mariculture (NCM), Eilat, Israel’s premier marine aquaculture research institution. Discussions covered broodstock development, hatchery technologies, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) models and disease management, with a focus on adapting advanced solutions to Indian conditions through joint research.

The visit also included an interaction at the SeaNovation Innovation Center, Israel’s leading accelerator for aquaculture and blue economy startups, to explore structured collaboration between Indian and Israeli innovation ecosystems.

A Strategic Partnership for the Blue Future

The visit underscores the deepening strategic, economic and technological partnership between India and Israel in fisheries and aquaculture. It reflects the shared vision of both countries to harness innovation, sustainability and international collaboration to strengthen blue food systems.

The outcomes of the visit are expected to open new pathways for cooperation, reinforce long-standing bilateral ties and support India’s efforts to emerge as a global leader in sustainable fisheries and blue economy development.