A delegation from the EU(European Union), headed by Mr. Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for Environment, Ocean & Fisheries, met with Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India, in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to discuss and address bilateral matters concerning fisheries and aquaculture between the two regions.
During the meeting, the delegates from the EU and the Indian authorities engaged in productive discussions on several crucial aspects of fisheries cooperation. They agreed to focus on significant issues, including the Port State Measure Agreement, Fisheries Subsidies issues in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), ‘Ocean and Fisheries Dialogue,’ IUU fishing (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing), and market access-related matters. Both sides concurred to address these matters through a Joint Working Group, which is proposed to be established on Fisheries.
The Indian delegation brought attention to certain concerns related to reducing the sampling frequency for inspecting Indian farmed shrimps at the EU border inspection post. The Indian side requested that the inspection frequency be reverted to the previous level of 10% from the current level of 50%. Additionally, they discussed the re-listing of de-listed fishery establishments and granting permission to newly listed fishery establishments for exporting aquaculture shrimps from India to the EU.
Furthermore, the EU delegation was invited to participate in any pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) as a follow-up to the invitation extended during the India-EU Leaders’ Summit in May 2021. This presents an opportunity for the EU and its member states to contribute to the IPOI and strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting was attended by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Information and Broadcasting, as well as Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, and other senior officers from the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs and Export Inspection Council of India were also present, emphasizing the significance and commitment of both parties to fostering mutual cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture.
This meeting marks a step forward in strengthening the partnership between the European Union and India in matters concerning fisheries and aquaculture. By engaging bilaterally and addressing critical issues, both regions aim to foster sustainable practices and enhance mutual benefits in the fisheries sector. The discussions pave the way for collaborative efforts and shared expertise, contributing to the conservation and responsible management of marine resources in the Indo-Pacific region.
