Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Emerge as Key Hubs in India’s Blue Economy Strategy

Global Agriculture

New Delhi: India's island territories are set to play a larger role in the country's fisheries and Blue Economy ambitions, with the government stepping up efforts to develop tuna fishing, seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries in Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With access to extensive marine resources and strategically located fishing grounds, the two island groups are being positioned as emerging centres for high-value marine fisheries, sustainable aquaculture and seafood exports. India has a coastline of approximately 11,099 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 24 lakh sq. km, with an estimated marine fisheries potential of 58.6 lakh metric tonnes. The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of nearly 50 lakh fishers and contributes significantly to food security, employment, income generation and export earnings. India's seafood exports reached approximately ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26, highlighting the growing economic importance of the sector. To strengthen its fisheries infrastructure and production capacity, the government has committed ₹39,272 crore through various schemes and programmes since 2015. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), substantial investments have been planned to strengthen fisheries infrastructure and unlock the marine potential of the island territories. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been allocated...