India Rolls Out LoA Framework to Expand High-Seas Fishing
India has introduced a new Letter of Authorisation (LoA) regime for high-seas fishing, marking a major step towards expanding sustainable marine fishing, strengthening the Blue Economy, and boosting seafood exports.
The initiative was launched by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, who said the policy will enable Indian fishermen to responsibly access marine resources within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond, creating new opportunities for economic growth.
India has more than 11,000 km of coastline and an EEZ spanning nearly 2.4 million sq km, yet a significant share of its marine resources remains underutilized as fishing activities have traditionally been limited to coastal waters. The new LoA framework allows Indian-flagged fishing vessels to undertake fishing and related operations in deeper waters, promoting sustainable harvesting of high-value species such as tuna.
According to the Vice President, the initiative will strengthen Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), fisheries cooperatives and individual fishermen by improving access to premium fish resources, increasing incomes and enhancing India’s competitiveness in global seafood markets.
India is currently the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing nearly 8% of global fish production. The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of around 30 million fishermen and fish farmers, while seafood exports exceeded ₹73,000 crore during the last financial year.
Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh described the LoA regime as a landmark reform that introduces a transparent, fully digital authorization system for high-seas fishing. He noted that government investments exceeding ₹39,000 crore in the fisheries sector have contributed to significant growth in fish production and record seafood exports despite global trade challenges.
The minister also announced that fish caught by Indian vessels in the EEZ and high seas will be exempt from customs duty, while foreign port landings by Indian vessels will be treated as exports, creating additional incentives for the sector.
Highlighting Odisha’s growing role in India’s marine economy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the state has strong potential in deep-sea fisheries and brackish-water aquaculture. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) with an investment of ₹2,295.45 crore to develop modern fisheries infrastructure and transform the state into a marine export hub.
During the event, the Vice President also distributed LoAs to 10 Fish Farmer Producer Organisations from across the country and unveiled the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission document.