India and France recently agreed on a Roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance.

Key Points

• Both the countries agreed on this roadmap with the aim of contributing scientific knowledge and ocean conservation.
• They seek to ensure that the ocean remains a global common, on the basis of rule of law.
• This agreement was signed during three-day visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to France.
• Scope of the roadmap will encompass maritime trade, naval industry, marine technology, fisheries, scientific research, marine eco-tourism, inland waterways, integrated coastal management, and cooperation between competent administrations on civil maritime issues.
• Both the countries have planned to organise an annual bilateral dialogue on blue economy and ocean governance for exchanging views on their priorities, support ongoing & future cooperation and share their best practices.

India-France on Blue Economy

India and France seek to make blue economy a driver of progress in their respective societies, apart from respecting environment and coastal & marine biodiversity. They noted that, fisheries are a vital economic sector, playing a decisive role in food security and livelihood security, specifically for coastal populations. According to them, demographic, economic & societal factors have resulted into increased global demand for marine products and increasing stress on global fish stocks. Both the countries will make blue economy a priority in development of their economic exchanges.