India Approves Accession to SIOFA High-Seas Pact

The Central Government has approved India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its position in global fisheries governance. The move will expand opportunities for Indian fishing vessels and enterprises to access high-seas resources while promoting sustainable fishing practices and strengthening India’s maritime interests.

The approval follows the Government of India’s Guidelines for High Seas Fisheries, issued in December 2025. These guidelines aim to expand India’s fishing operations into international waters and support the country’s Blue Economy through responsible marine resource management.

What Is the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)?

SIOFA provides a regional framework for managing and conserving non-highly migratory fishery resources in the Southern Indian Ocean. The agreement promotes scientific cooperation, sustainable harvesting, and measures to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Following accession, Indian-flagged fishing vessels and businesses will gain opportunities to undertake authorised fishing activities targeting high-value marine resources, including squid, toothfish, alfonsino, and other eligible fish stocks within the agreement’s jurisdiction.

Key Benefits of India’s Accession to SIOFA

1. Expanded Fishing Opportunities

India’s accession will help fishing enterprises explore international waters beyond their traditional fishing grounds. Indian vessels currently operate largely within 60–80 nautical miles (NM) of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Access to SIOFA-regulated waters could help diversify fishing operations, generate revenue, and create new opportunities for fishers and entrepreneurs.

2. Stronger Role in Global Fisheries Governance

India has participated in SIOFA as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) since 2022. Full accession as a Contracting Party will enable India to participate more effectively in the agreement’s decision-making processes, including the Scientific Committee and the Compliance Committee.

India will also gain improved access to scientific data, research programmes, and fish-stock assessments, supporting evidence-based fisheries management.

3. Sustainable Fishing and Marine Conservation

India’s participation will strengthen regional cooperation on scientific research, sustainable harvesting, and the conservation of marine resources. Active engagement with other contracting parties will help India promote responsible fishing practices and protect fish stocks for future generations.

4. Enhanced Maritime Security

India’s accession will also support national coastal security and regional strategic priorities. Participation in SIOFA’s High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) Scheme will strengthen cooperation on monitoring fishing activities and addressing illegal fishing in international waters.

Background: India’s Role in Indian Ocean Fisheries Management

The high seas account for approximately 65% of the global ocean and support major international fishing operations. The Indian Ocean has two key Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs): the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and SIOFA.

India has been a contracting party to the IOTC since 1996. While the IOTC manages highly migratory tuna and tuna-like species, SIOFA focuses on other eligible fishery resources within its area of competence.

India’s accession to SIOFA will strengthen its international fisheries engagement, expand lawful fishing opportunities, and support the sustainable development of its marine economy.

Conclusion

India’s accession to SIOFA represents an important step towards expanding its high-seas fishing capacity, strengthening maritime cooperation, and advancing the Blue Economy. By combining economic opportunities with scientific research and sustainable resource management, India can reinforce its role in global fisheries governance while supporting fishing communities and protecting marine ecosystems.