On 20th February, 2022, India and France signed a roadmap to enhance their bilateral exchanges on the blue economy and forge a common vision of ocean governance based on the rule of law and cooperate on sustainable and resilient coastal and waterways infrastructure.
Blue Economy and Ocean Governance: Driver of Progress: Both countries intend to make the blue economy a driver of progress of their respective societies while respecting the environment and coastal and marine biodiversity. Simultaneously aim to contribute to scientific knowledge and ocean conservation based on the rule of law.
Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water: The two countries wish to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Indo-Pacific: Maritime Security: India and France nurture a high quality dialogue on maritime security, which enables them to raise strategic issues in the Indo-Pacific. This partnership marks a significant step-forward in India-France cooperation for maritime security.
Aquaculture: Given French expertise in aquaculture, France and India will work on commercial development of new farming technologies, joint development in the farming of marine organisms for food, and other products such as pharmaceuticals and jewellery, in a way that does not harm the environment.
Waterways: Infrastructure Development: They will cooperate on developing domestic waterways, which is one of India’s priorities in the field of infrastructure development. This can include infrastructure enhancement, fairway development, navigational aids, river information systems.
