India, Israel join forces to revolutionise fisheries. Know all details

The visit marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Israel in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Recognizing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations, their shared vision for sustainable development, and the critical role of fisheries and aquaculture in food security, livelihoods, and economic growth, India and Israel signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on January 14, 2026. The agreement aims to bolster cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, leveraging Israel’s advanced technologies and India’s vast aquatic resources.

The Joint Declaration outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration across multiple areas of mutual interest, including:

Advanced aquaculture technologies: Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, cage culture, aquaponics, and aquarium systems including oceanariums.

Breeding and seed improvement: Expertise in high-yield species, pathogen-free seed strategies, and broodstock development.

Genetic improvement programs and mariculture, including seaweed cultivation.

Water management: Adoption of Israeli water-saving technologies for sustainable aquaculture.

The Declaration also promotes the exchange and support of start-ups in fisheries and aquaculture, with a focus on advancing the Blue Economy. Sustainable and responsible fishing practices will be encouraged to conserve marine resources, minimize environmental impacts, and enhance the long-term resilience of fisheries. This includes technology-driven fisheries monitoring and data collection to support evidence-based management, transparency, and traceability, while addressing socio-economic needs of fishing communities.

Capacity-building initiatives will focus on deep-sea fishing, vessel design and development, coastal aquaculture, and marine resource conservation through technology and innovation. The Declaration also provides for exchange programs for fishers, aqua farmers, scientists, and policymakers, along with training in modern fish processing, marketing, and infrastructure development, including fishing harbours and fish landing centers.

The agreement seeks to strengthen bilateral trade by facilitating exports and imports, addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and supporting technology-enabled traceability systems. A key component of the cooperation will be the potential establishment of new Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquaculture, modeled on the successful network of 43 agricultural Centres of Excellence currently operational under Indo-Israel collaboration.

This landmark agreement opens new pathways for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, reinforcing India and Israel’s shared commitment to food security and climate-resilient development.