Published: 19 September 2025Press Information BureauGovernance

Union Fisheries Minister Announces Lakshadweep Investors and Exporters Meet Focused on Tuna, Seaweed and Ornamental Fisheries

AQuick answer

Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced on 20 September 2025 at Kochi a Lakshadweep Investors and Exporters Meet focused on Tuna, Seaweed and Ornamental fisheries, with Lakshadweep controlling about 20% of India's EEZ. The meet was ultimately organized at Bangaram Island on 13 December 2025 as the first-ever Investors' Meet on investment opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture in Lakshadweep.

Key facts

Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced the Lakshadweep investors meet at Kochi on 20 September 2025; it was ultimately organized at Bangaram Island on 13 December 2025
The meet focused on Tuna fisheries, Seaweed and Ornamental fisheries
Lakshadweep commands nearly 20% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with access to high-value deep-sea tuna
Pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing are Lakshadweep's globally recognised eco-friendly, bycatch-free methods
The plan includes strengthening Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), certification and traceability systems, and a joint India–Lakshadweep working group

On 20 September 2025, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced in Kochi that an Investors and Exporters Meet was planned in Lakshadweep to promote investment and exports in tuna fisheries, seaweed and ornamental fisheries. The high-level consultation meeting on the fisheries sector in the Lakshadweep Islands was attended by Union Minister of State Shri George Kurian and the Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Praful Patel.

The Minister highlighted Lakshadweep's unique position as a strategic fisheries hub, commanding nearly 20% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and offering access to vast deep-sea resources, especially high-value tuna. He emphasised that Lakshadweep's sustainable fishing practices such as pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing are globally recognised for their eco-friendly and bycatch-free approach. The plan focuses on developing the tuna value chain, launching entrepreneurship programmes in seaweed and ornamental fisheries, and empowering Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs).

Shri Singh said the certification and traceability systems will support sustainable, environmentally friendly tuna exports. He called for a joint working group between the Government of India and the Lakshadweep Administration to resolve pending proposals and technical needs. Minister of State George Kurian linked the initiative to PM Modi's 'Samudra Se Samriddhi' vision articulated earlier the same week at Bhavnagar, noting that fisheries is the second fastest growing sector in India after IT.

Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel said that desalination plants have been set up in all islands to address safe drinking water, all classrooms are smart classrooms, and infrastructure is improving rapidly. The meet was ultimately organized at Bangaram Island on 13 December 2025 as the first-of-its-kind Investors' Meet for fisheries and aquaculture opportunities in Lakshadweep. The initiative dovetails with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the broader Blue Economy agenda, positioning India to compete in global sustainable seafood markets.

Mains angle

Q: Analyse the strategic significance of the Lakshadweep Investors and Exporters Meet announced on 20 September 2025 for India's Blue Economy and sustainable fisheries development.

Answer (50 words):

Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced at Kochi that Lakshadweep, controlling nearly 20% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone, would host an Investors and Exporters Meet on tuna, seaweed and ornamental fisheries; it was ultimately organized at Bangaram Island on 13 December 2025. Linked to PMMSY and the Blue Economy agenda, it promotes sustainable pole-and-line tuna value chains.

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Linked questionMedium

Approximately what percentage of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) does Lakshadweep command, as highlighted by the Union Fisheries Minister on 20 September 2025?

ANearly 20%CorrectIncorrect

BNearly 40%CorrectIncorrect

CNearly 5%CorrectIncorrect

DNearly 10%CorrectIncorrect

Explanation · Correct answer A

Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted on 20 September 2025 at Kochi that Lakshadweep commands nearly 20% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with access to vast deep-sea resources, especially high-value tuna.

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Frequently asked questions

What did Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announce on 20 September 2025?

He announced a Lakshadweep investors meet focused on tuna fisheries, seaweed and ornamental fisheries; the event was ultimately organized at Bangaram Island on 13 December 2025.

What share of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) does Lakshadweep command?

Lakshadweep commands nearly 20% of India's EEZ and offers access to vast deep-sea resources, especially high-value tuna.

Which sustainable fishing practices are internationally recognised at Lakshadweep?

Pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing methods, which are eco-friendly and bycatch-free.

How does this initiative link with PM Modi's broader vision?

Minister of State George Kurian linked it with PM Modi's 'Samudra Se Samriddhi' vision, noting fisheries is India's second fastest growing sector after IT.

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