Origins and Global Relevance:

• Evolved from the Third Earth Summit Conference – Rio+20 in 2012, expanding the Green Economy to encompass the Blue Economy.
• Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, emphasizing sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
• Pioneered the Department of Ocean Development in 1981, now the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Launched programs like “Deep Ocean Mission,” “Oceanography from Space,” and deployed data buoys along the Indian coastline.
• Participation in the UN’s “Clean Seas Programme” and collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for deep ocean exploration.

Government Vision (New India by 2030):

• Designated Blue Economy as a core dimension of growth, emphasizing coherent policy integration and development for coastal communities’ well-being and employment.
• Maritime Significance:
• India’s 7517 km coastline, 1382 islands, 12 major ports, and 187 non-major ports handling significant cargo.
• 95% of India’s trade volume transits by sea.
• Coastal economy sustains over 4 million fishermen and coastal communities.
• Post-COVID-19, India anticipates substantial growth in the marine sector through efficient and sustainable use of ocean resources.

Boosting capabilities, skills, and capacities related to oceans.

• Striving for efficient, sustainable ocean resource utilization, enhancing capabilities for employment and value addition while aligning with UN SDGs.

Policy Framework Development:

• Formulating a transparent policy agenda aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Focusing on transparent policies for the development of India’s Blue Economy.

Economic Growth and National Security:

• Enhancing GDP through sustainable economic growth in the Blue Economy domain.
• Aligning national development with security goals and international commitments.