04/09/2026
๐ธ๐จ๐ฎ๐ณ Seychelles Strengthens Cooperation with India in Fisheries, Agriculture and the Blue Economy ๐๐ค
A high-level Seychelles delegation, led by Principal Minister Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy, undertook an official visit to India from 24โ29 August 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across fisheries, agriculture and the wider Blue Economy.
The Seychelles delegation comprised:
๐น Mr. Wallace Cosgrow โ Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy, Head of Delegation
๐น Mr. Keven Nancyโ Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture
๐น Ms. Veronique Nibourette โ Principal Secretary, Department of Blue Economy
๐น Ms. Linetta Joubert โ Chief Policy Analyst
๐น Ms. Sheriffa Morelโ Director General
๐น Ms. Sabrina Weidauer โ Senior Programme Development Officer
๐น Mrs. Veronica Alphonse-Uzice โ Assistant Manager for Aquaculture
The mission brought together senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, Department of Agriculture, Department of Blue Economy and the Seychelles Fisheries Authority, with engagements held in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Kochi.
The delegation held discussions and technical engagements with key Indian institutions, including the Government of Indiaโs Department of Fisheries, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), ICAR-CMFRI, ICAR-CIFT, Cochin jUniversity of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
๐ Key areas explored included:
๐ Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
๐ฌ Marine research, stock assessment and mariculture
๐ Tuna fisheries and value-chain development
๐งฌ Marine biotechnology and innovation
โป๏ธ Post-harvest management, circular economy and fish-waste utilisation
๐ Fisheries data and digital technologies
๐ค Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications
๐ฑ Agricultural research, food production and food security
๐ Capacity development, research and technical training
๐ค Business, academic and institutional partnerships
The mission also explored opportunities for a dedicated bilateral framework for fisheries and aquaculture cooperation, supported by a structured work plan and stronger institutional engagement.
Visits to fisheries research and technology institutions in Kochi provided the Seychelles delegation with valuable insights into Indiaโs expertise in fisheries science, aquaculture, post-harvest technology, value addition and marine data management.
The visit also opened opportunities for stronger commercial and institutional linkages with Kerala, particularly in fisheries, agriculture, aquaculture and the wider Blue Economy, including technology transfer, knowledge exchange and private-sector cooperation.
At its core, the mission sought to translate the longstanding SeychellesโIndia partnership into practical cooperation that supports sustainable resource management, strengthens food security, promotes innovation and capacity development, and creates greater economic value from Seychellesโ marine and agricultural sectors.
๐ On behalf of the Government of Seychelles, the Department of Blue Economy extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of India for its generous support and sponsorship of the official visit, as well as for the warm hospitality extended to the Seychelles delegation.
Appreciation is also extended to the High Commission of India in Seychelles, together with the institutions and officials of both countries whose coordination and commitment contributed to the success of the mission.
The visit further strengthened the longstanding bonds of friendship between Seychelles and India and laid a strong foundation for continued cooperation in fisheries, agriculture, research, innovation and the Blue Economy.