Pledges stronger regional cooperation for blue economy and marine ecosystem conservation
India assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal (BOB) Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Male, Maldives, attended by senior representatives from Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh. The event was part of the High-Level Conference on ‘Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming Ecosystem Approach in Small-Scale Fisheries’, organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Maldives, in collaboration with BOBP-IGO from 20-22 February 2025.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, led the Indian delegation and assumed the Chair. He expressed India’s commitment to build on the achievements of BOBP-IGO and ensure the growth of fisheries sector in all member countries. Dr. Likhi underscored the importance of regional cooperation, including in marine resource management, training, research, policy advocacy and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. India aims to promote cooperation through exchange of knowledge, technology and best practices, to strengthen the blue economy, conserve marine ecosystems and help eradicate poverty. This achievement not only makes India a major leader in regional fisheries but also supports the national goal of ‘Developed India 2047’.
