India’s Coastline: Where ecology, security and the blue economy meet

Dairy, Livestock & Fisheries

New Delhi: India’s coastline is more than a geographical boundary. It is an economic resource, an ecological system, a security frontier and home to millions of people whose livelihoods depend on the sea. Bringing these dimensions together, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh has called for a holistic approach to India’s coastline, integrating ecology, security, economy, technology and human development. Addressing the National Conference on Coastal Ecology, Security and Sustainability (CCESS) 2026 virtually on September 11, Dr Singh said India’s 11,000–12,000 km coastline offers significant opportunities for marine resources and the country’s emerging Blue Economy. He stressed that these opportunities must be pursued alongside environmental protection and the interests of coastal communities. The Minister highlighted the Deep Ocean Mission as an important part of India’s efforts to explore the largely unexplored resources of the deep sea while developing indigenous capabilities. The development of robots and submersibles for deep-sea exploration, along with the recent launch of the indigenous research vessel ORV Sagar Manthan, reflects the country’s growing capabilities in ocean research and exploration. For agriculture and allied sectors, the fisheries opportunity is particularly significant. Dr Singh pointed to the potential of...