India and Israel have further strengthened their bilateral relationship with the signing of a joint ministerial declaration of intent focused on cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The agreement acknowledges Israel’s technological expertise and innovation in fisheries, along with India’s extensive aquatic resources and expanding Blue Economy vision.
The declaration was formalised during the visit of a high-level Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Israel from January 13 to 15.
The delegation attended the second global summit titled ‘Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026’, held in Eilat.
Under the agreement, both nations committed to enhancing joint research and development in advanced aquaculture systems. Key focus areas include:
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS),
- Biofloc technology,
- Cage culture,
- Aquaponics, and
- Aquarium and oceanarium systems
Additionally, the cooperation will extend to breeding programmes for high-yield species, pathogen-free seed development, and broodstock improvement strategies to boost productivity and sustainability.
Proposal for New Centres of Excellence
A significant aspect of the declaration involves exploring the establishment of new India-Israel Centres of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Both countries envision these centres on the lines of the 43 agricultural Centres of Excellence that India and Israel have successfully developed through earlier collaborations.
The framework also includes cooperation in genetic improvement programmes, mariculture initiatives such as seaweed cultivation, and improved water management in aquaculture using Israeli water-efficient technologies.
Importantly, the declaration places a strong emphasis on encouraging start-ups in fisheries and aquaculture while advancing cooperation in the Blue Economy.
The agreement promotes sustainable and responsible fishing practices to conserve marine resources, minimise environmental impact, and ensure long-term sectoral resilience.
The agreement further supports collaboration in technology-driven fisheries monitoring and data collection systems, enabling evidence-based management, transparency, and traceability, while addressing the socio-economic needs of fishing communities.
Authorities have identified capacity building as a core pillar of cooperation and have planned initiatives covering deep-sea fishing, vessel design and development, coastal aquaculture, marine conservation, and modern fish processing and marketing techniques.
Both countries have also proposed exchange programmes for fishers, aqua farmers, scientists, and policymakers, along with training in infrastructure development, such as fishing harbours and fish landing centres.
The declaration additionally aims to strengthen bilateral trade through dialogue to address tariff and non-tariff barriers and support technology-based traceability systems in fisheries and aquaculture.
Overall, the agreement underscores the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Israel and reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development, food security, livelihood generation, and economic growth in both countries.
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