India has introduced a new Letter of Authorisation (LoA) regime for sustainable high-seas fishing to unlock the country’s vast marine resources, enhance fishermen’s incomes, and strengthen the Blue Economy. Launched by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the initiative allows Indian fishing vessels to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond through a simplified and transparent authorization process.
With a coastline of over 11,000 km and an EEZ spanning nearly 24 lakh sq. km, India aims to reduce pressure on overexploited coastal fisheries while promoting sustainable harvesting of high-value deep-sea species. The new regime is expected to create employment opportunities, support Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities.
India is already the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing around 8% of global fish production and providing livelihoods to nearly 30 million fishermen and fish farmers. Seafood exports reached approximately ₹73,000 crore in the previous financial year, and the new policy is expected to further strengthen India’s position in the global seafood market.
Alongside the LoA regime, the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) was also launched with an investment of ₹2,295.45 crore to develop deep-sea fishing infrastructure, modern fish markets, aquaparks, and export-oriented fisheries, supporting India’s vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable marine fisheries and the Blue Economy.
