New Delhi, India’s Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, has started on an official visit to Israel from January 13 to 15, 2026, with the motive of strengthening collaboration between the two countries, mainly revolving around fisheries, aquaculture, and blue food security. The invitation given by Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter highlights the growing strategic and economic engagement between New Delhi and Jerusalem, mainly in sectors linked to sustainable food systems and climate‑resilient livelihoods.
Minister Singh’s itinerary focuses on participating in the Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security: Sea the Future, held in the southern coastal city of Eilat. The three‑day event, running from January 13 to 15, brings together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and innovators from across the world to discuss ways of strengthening food production from aquatic ecosystems. Blue foods surround food products taken from aquatic animals, plants, and algae that are harvested or cultivated in freshwater and marine environments, presenting promising opportunities to enhance global nutrition and food security in the face of climate change.
The summit provides Minister Singh with the chance to interact with counterparts from Israel and other participating nations on crucial topics like sustainable fisheries management, modern aquaculture technologies, and policy alignment to promote the blue economy agenda. Discussions are expected to explore institutional partnerships, research collaboration, capacity building and innovation linkages that can help both countries advance food security goals while promoting economic growth in rural and coastal regions.
A key component of the minister’s visit will be a series of two-sided meetings with Israel’s Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter and other global counterparts attending the summit. These meetings mainly focus on strengthening the longstanding cooperation between the two countries regarding fisheries and aquaculture, and they’re also to deepen the institutional ties in order to identify new ways for joint work in areas of mutual interest. Also scheduled to meet CEOs of major Israeli firms and startups in agriculture and blue economy sectors, Minister Singh is allowing Indian officials to gain insights into Israel’s innovation ecosystem and explore opportunities for technology transfer and collaboration.
The program includes visits to key institutions and innovation hubs that focus mainly on cutting‑edge technologies in aquaculture, digital fishery management systems, and sustainable coastal resource utilization.
India’s seafood industry has grown significantly in recent years, with exports reaching a record ₹62,408 crore in 2024‑25, up 3.11 percent from the previous year. Fish production also climbed to 197.75 lakh tons, more than double the volume a decade ago, reflecting strong domestic growth and export potential. This underscores the value of innovative practices and international cooperation in sustaining momentum.
Beyond economic and technological goals, Minister Singh’s visit carries diplomatic significance, highlighting India’s efforts to diversify strategic partnerships and strengthen ties with nations contributing to food security and sustainability. Israel has previously collaborated with India in agricultural and food technologies, including water‑efficient irrigation, high‑yield seeds, and post‑harvest innovations, reflecting a productive history of bilateral cooperation.
Events like the Sea Future Summit could have larger effects as a result. While worries about food security around the world grow because of the weaknesses in supply chains, population growth, and climate change, one can see how both countries are working on how to contribute to more resilient as well as sustainable food systems.
This three-day visit is expected to bind ties between Israel and India, which would promote shared blue economy objectives and would also lay the groundwork for future collaborations that could improve sustainable food production as well as opportunities in economy.
