Government Approves India's Accession to "SIOFA"

On October 14, 2026, the Central Government approved India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). The decision aims to promote sustainable fisheries in international waters, conserve marine resources, and enhance India's participation in global fisheries management.

Key Facts

Objective of SIOFA: SIOFA is a regional fisheries management arrangement established for the conservation, scientific management, and sustainable utilization of fishery resources in the high seas of the Southern Indian Ocean.
India's Current Status: India has been associated as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) since 2022. Following government approval, the process toward full membership will move forward.
Benefits of Full Membership: Upon completion of the accession process, India will gain formal participation in fisheries management decision-making, scientific committees, and the determination of conservation measures.
Fisheries Opportunities: Indian fishing vessels may gain opportunities to harvest marine species such as squid, toothfish, and alfonsino under designated regulations and permissions.
Scientific Research: India will be able to enhance cooperation in fishery stock assessment, marine biodiversity studies, and scientific data exchange.
Control Over Illegal Fishing: SIOFA emphasizes preventing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as strengthening maritime surveillance and inspection mechanisms.
India's Maritime Policy: Aligned with the high-seas fishing guidelines released in December 2025, this decision will encourage the expansion of Indian fishing operations in international waters.