Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation

On 21st February 2025, India officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal (BOB) Inter-Governmental Organisation from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives.

Key Points

Leadership Transition: India, led by the Secretary, Department of Fisheries, committed to advancing the organisation’s goals and strengthening regional cooperation.
Focus Areas: Marine resource management, training & capacity building, policy advocacy, tackling Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and promoting sustainable fisheries development.
International Collaboration: India seeks continued support from global organisations such as FAO, SEAFDEC, and UNODC to enhance knowledge exchange, technology sharing, and sustainable practices.
Blue Economy & Marine Ecosystem Protection: Efforts will aim to balance economic development with ecological sustainability while addressing poverty alleviation through fisheries growth.
India’s Vision: Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047, the initiative aims to uplift small-scale fisheries, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic progress.