Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, India and Israel ink historic MoU in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector

MoU to significantly boost India’s Blue Economy and coastal livelihoods

MoU paves the way for Indo‑Israel Centres of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquaculture, high-end RAS collaboration, and a Joint Working Group

During the historic visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Israel, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Cooperation in the Field of Fisheries and Aquaculture between the Hon’ble Minister, Department of Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, Mr. Avi Dichter, and the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Government of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar today on 26^th February 2026.

The MoU aims to strengthen India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector through technology-driven and sustainable practices, while enhancing the Blue Economy and improving the livelihoods of coastal and fishing communities. It also seeks to promote professional collaboration in establishing new Indo–Israel Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for Fisheries and Aquaculture, along with technical cooperation for setting up an oceanarium in India.

The agreement provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation across mutually identified priority areas. These include collaboration in advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), water reuse technologies, automation-based farming, and data-driven aquaculture management. The two sides will also work towards developing biosecure and climate-resilient farming models suitable for water-scarce and climate-stressed regions. Cooperation will further focus on strengthening aquatic disease management through novel therapeutics, non-invasive alternatives, and scientific approaches for improving disease resistance.

The MoU further enhances cooperation in mariculture, including seaweed-based systems, and supports joint efforts in Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), particularly the use of seaweed as a biofilter and as an alternative feed resource. Both the Countries agreed to promote research and development in fisheries and aquaculture, encourage environmentally friendly fishing practices, and advance technology‑led marine resource conservation, with a focus on long‑term sustainability.

Capacity building and knowledge exchange will be key pillars of this partnership. The two sides will explore structured exchange programmes, training initiatives, exposure visits, and expert-level interactions for officials, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders. The collaboration will also strengthen linkages between startups, research institutions, and industry, particularly in areas such as water recycling, innovative aquaculture technologies, and product development through incubators and innovation ecosystems.

A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to facilitate implementation, review progress, evaluate annual work plans, and consider new areas of cooperation. The JWG will meet annually, either in person or through virtual mode, alternating between India and Israel. Both sides will designate nodal officers to coordinate and monitor activities under the MoU.

This landmark MoU reflects the shared commitment of India and Israel to deepen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, promote innovation, and strengthen sustainable and climate-resilient development in the sector. Both sides also welcomed the earlier Declaration of Intent signed in January 2026 and reaffirmed their resolve to expand collaboration, including through the establishment of Joint Centres of Excellence.