Will India and Israel Enhance Their Ties in Fisheries and Aquaculture?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) - Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is set to embark on a visit to Israel from January 13-15, highlighting the escalating strategic and economic partnership between India and Israel, as stated in an official announcement on Monday.
During his visit, the minister is scheduled to take part in the ‘Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security: Sea the Future’ upon the invitation of Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter. This trip aims to bolster the enduring collaboration between India and Israel, enhance cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, and forge new avenues for joint initiatives in mutually beneficial sectors.
This initiative reflects the mutual dedication of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations in the domain of fisheries and aquaculture, according to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
In addition to attending the ‘Sea the Future Summit’, Singh is anticipated to engage in separate bilateral talks with his Israeli counterpart, Dichter, as well as with ministers from other nations present at the conference.
The ministry noted that discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation through policy alignment and institutional partnerships, promoting sustainable fisheries management and modern aquaculture technologies, advancing research, capacity building, and innovation ties, facilitating trade and investment through improved market access and standards, engaging in joint R&D for advanced aquaculture, and advancing the blue economy agenda with a focus on sustainability, climate resilience, and food security.
Singh is also expected to meet with CEOs from major Israeli companies and startups within the agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors.
The itinerary includes visits to significant institutions and innovation hubs that will provide insights into Israel's leading technological ecosystem in fisheries and aquaculture.
Simultaneously, India’s seafood exports reached a record high (in value) of Rs 62,408 crore during 2024-25, marking an increase of 3.11 percent compared to Rs 60,523.89 crore in 2023-24, and are projected to continue rising in the current fiscal year (FY26). Moreover, fish production surged to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY2024-25, up from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY2013-14, reflecting a substantial growth of 106 percent.