India Assumes Chairmanship of Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation

India has officially taken over the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh during the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives. This transition, witnessed by representatives from Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh, took place as part of the “Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Small-Scale Fisheries” conference. The event, held from February 20 to 22, 2025, was organized by the Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources of the Maldives in collaboration with BOBP-IGO.

Leading India’s delegation, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, took over the Chairmanship and reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, regional cooperation, and small-scale fishers’ welfare. Under India’s leadership, BOBP-IGO will focus on marine resource management, capacity building, research, policy advocacy, and tackling Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. This leadership aligns with India’s national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, promoting economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Key Highlights of India’s Chairmanship of BOBP-IGO

1. Transition in Leadership

• India took over the Chairmanship of BOBP-IGO from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council Meeting.
• The transition was witnessed by representatives from Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh.
• The event was part of the Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming EAFM in Small-Scale Fisheries Conference in Malé, Maldives.

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2. India’s Key-Focus Areas as Chair

• Strengthening sustainable fisheries development and regional cooperation.
• Supporting small-scale fishers’ welfare across the Bay of Bengal region.
• Promoting marine resource management and responsible fishing practices.
• Enhancing training, capacity building, and research initiatives.
• Tackling Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through regional collaboration.

3. Role of India’s Leadership

• Led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India.
• India aims to drive policy innovation for sustainable fisheries management.
• Emphasizing technological advancements, knowledge exchange, and data sharing.

4. India’s Alignment with Global and National Goals

• India’s leadership aligns with its national ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.
• Supports poverty alleviation, economic development, and marine ecosystem protection.

Expected to receive support from international organizations such as,

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC)
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

5. Future Prospects Under India’s Chairmanship

• Enhancing livelihoods of small-scale fishers and ensuring economic sustainability.
• Encouraging responsible fishing practices across Bay of Bengal nations.
• Strengthening regional policies to boost the blue economy.