India and Israel Forge New Fisheries Agreement: What It Means for Aquaculture

India and Israel have taken a significant step in strengthening their bilateral relations by signing a cooperation agreement in fisheries and aquaculture. This agreement, formalized during a conference in Eilat, aims to enhance collaboration in sustainable aquaculture practices and food security. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh led a delegation to Israel, where they explored advanced research facilities and discussed joint initiatives. The partnership reflects both nations' commitment to improving their fisheries sectors and fostering innovation in aquaculture. This collaboration not only reinforces existing ties but also opens new avenues for mutual growth in the field.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 22:00 IST

Strengthening Ties in Fisheries

Eilat (Israel): On Wednesday, India and Israel formalized a partnership focused on fisheries and aquaculture during a three-day conference held in the coastal city of Eilat, Israel.

The agreement was signed by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, India's Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Avi Dichter, Israel's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, at the Blue Food Security Sea the Future 2026 event.

Blue foods, which include aquatic animals, plants, or algae sourced from freshwater and marine environments, are at the heart of this collaboration.

Singh led a high-level delegation from India to the National Centre for Mariculture (NCM) in Eilat, a premier research facility dedicated to marine aquaculture advancements.

During the visit, Singh was briefed on NCM's capabilities and research initiatives, which encompass broodstock development, hatchery technologies, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) models, and innovative disease management strategies.

The discussions between Indian and Israeli teams focused on potential collaborative efforts and joint research projects aimed at enhancing production efficiency and adapting advanced mariculture techniques to Indian contexts.

The delegation also toured the SeaNovation Innovation Centre, Israel's leading accelerator for aquaculture and Blue Economy innovations, which fosters partnerships among research institutions, industry, and startups to create sustainable technologies that bolster global food security.

This visit served as a vital opportunity for both nations to explore practical methods for enhancing cooperation in the aquaculture sector.

Singh participated in the conference's opening ceremony alongside Dichter and other ministers from participating nations.

He engaged in discussions with Dichter and David Amsalem, Israel's Minister for Regional Cooperation, along with senior officials from various Israeli ministries and representatives from the private sector.

The event attracted delegates from numerous countries, including ministers from Ghana, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, as well as senior officials from Jordan, Morocco, Romania, and the Philippines.

Singh also took part in a Global Ministerial Panel Discussion on Food Security and the Blue Economy at the Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security Sea the Future 2026.

He underscored India's significant advancements in the fisheries sector and its increasing influence in global fisheries and aquaculture development.

The panel included notable figures such as Dichter, Emelia Arthur, Ghana's Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Majnun Mammadov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture.

Singh's involvement in this global event highlights the strengthening strategic and economic ties between India and Israel, as noted by official sources.

This partnership reflects both countries' dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.

The visit not only reinforces the enduring relationship between India and Israel but also paves the way for new collaborative opportunities in areas of mutual interest.