PM Modi Calls Blue Economy Key to India's Growth

PM Modi Calls Blue Economy Key to India’s Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that India’s future depends strongly on the Blue Economy, which links prosperity with sustainability and national strength.

He pointed to projects like Sagarmala, Deep Ocean Mission, and Harit Sagar Guidelines that use ocean resources to boost jobs, support coastal communities, and make India a leader in global ocean governance.

The remarks came after Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s potential, with over 11,000 km of coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone, to build a $100 billion growth engine through sustainable ocean use.

Singh explained that “Blue Economy 2.0” goes beyond traditional sectors. The Deep Ocean Mission, with the Matsya submersible, explores deep-sea resources and new technologies. The Sagarmala programme is modernising ports to make trade faster and more competitive. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is driving a “blue revolution” in fisheries.

The PMMSY, launched in 2020, has made India the world’s second-largest fish producer. Fish production rose to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, up from 141.6 lakh tonnes in 2019–20. Exports also grew from Rs 46,662 crore in 2019–20 to over Rs 60,500 crore in 2023–24.

The scheme has created 58 lakh jobs, surpassing its target, and empowered nearly one lakh women with financial support. Women are being encouraged to lead in areas like seaweed farming and eco-friendly tourism, giving them new income streams and stronger roles in their communities.

Overall, the scheme aims to make fisheries more sustainable, productive, and inclusive by improving technology, quality, and infrastructure while protecting marine ecosystems.