The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced the Central Government's approval of India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA), representing a strategic milestone that reinforces India's position in global fisheries governance. This initiative follows the Guidelines for High Sea Fisheries issued in December 2025 and provides a regional framework to expand India's fishing fleet into international waters.
With accession to SIOFA, Indian-flagged fishing vessels and enterprises will gain authorized fishing rights for squids, toothfish, alfonsino, and other non-migratory fish stocks within SIOFA's jurisdiction. The agreement covers fishery resources including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and other sedentary species within the area, excluding highly migratory species (Annex I of UNCLOS) and sedentary species subject to coastal states' fishery jurisdiction.
The accession will upgrade India's status from Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) since 2022 to full Contracting Party, enabling full participation in key decision-making bodies including the Scientific Committee and Compliance Committee. This provides access to scientific data, research programmes, stock assessments, and collaboration opportunities with other Cooperating Parties on sustainable harvest of High Seas resources and prevention of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Strategically, the agreement strengthens India's presence in the High Seas, where currently five countries/regions dominate: China (21%), Taiwan (13%), Japan (11%), South Korea (11%), and Spain (8%). India will participate in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) Scheme, enhancing coastal security while expanding economic opportunities. Indian fishing vessels currently operate largely within 60-80 NM of the EEZ, and this accession will help develop India's fishing capacity across High Seas areas, contributing to the national exchequer and supporting the livelihoods of Indian fishing communities through sustainable fishing practices.