The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has announced that the Central Government has approved India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). This decision allows India to transition from its current status as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party to a full Contracting Party, granting it enhanced rights and responsibilities in managing fisheries in the Southern Indian Ocean.
The approval follows the Government’s December 2025 guidelines on high seas fisheries and positions India to expand its fishing operations into international waters while participating more actively in global fisheries governance.
Key facts
- India currently operates as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party to SIOFA since 2022
- Indian fishing vessels will now be authorised to catch squids, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory fish stocks within SIOFA’s jurisdiction
- SIOFA covers fish, molluscs, crustaceans and sedentary species, but excludes highly migratory species
- India has been a Contracting Party to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) since 1996
- Indian vessels currently operate within 60 to 80 nautical miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
- Five countries and regions currently dominate high seas fishing: China (21%), Taiwan (13%), Japan (11%), South Korea (11%) and Spain (8%)
- High seas represent approximately 65% of global ocean area
What is SIOFA?
The Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement is a regional fisheries management organisation that regulates fishing activities in specific parts of the Indian Ocean. It operates alongside the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which manages highly migratory tuna species. Two major regional organisations now govern Indian Ocean fisheries, with SIOFA managing non-migratory stocks and species in its designated area.
Enhanced participation and decision-making
As a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party, India had limited ability to influence decisions made by SIOFA. Full accession as a Contracting Party changes this significantly. India will now participate in key bodies including the Scientific Committee and the Compliance Committee, gaining access to scientific data, research programmes and stock assessments conducted by the organisation. This participation enables India to influence management decisions and contribute to sustainable fishing practices in the region.
Fishing rights and economic opportunities
Indian-flagged fishing vessels and enterprises can now undertake authorised fishing operations for species such as squids, toothfish and alfonsino within SIOFA’s jurisdiction. This expands the geographical range and resource access available to Indian fishers beyond the current operations within 60 to 80 nautical miles of India’s EEZ. The move aims to boost economic opportunities for Indian fishing communities and contribute to national revenue through expanded commercial fishing activities on the high seas.
Sustainability and compliance framework
SIOFA membership requires India to collaborate with other participating nations to advance sustainable harvesting of high seas resources and prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. India will participate in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection Scheme, which allows cooperating parties to monitor and inspect fishing vessels to ensure compliance with the agreement’s rules. This framework aims to preserve marine resources and ensure their long-term viability while supporting livelihoods of fishing communities.
Strategic and security dimensions
The accession strengthens India’s strategic interests in the Southern Indian Ocean and enhances coastal security through active involvement in high seas monitoring and inspection activities. By establishing a recognized presence in these waters alongside existing global fishing fleets, India secures legitimate fishing rights and a voice in managing resources crucial to its blue economy objectives.
What this means for you
For Indian fishers and fishing enterprises, this accession opens new opportunities to expand operations into international waters and access previously unavailable marine resources. Fishing communities may benefit from employment and economic growth as Indian vessels access high-value species in SIOFA waters. The emphasis on sustainable practices and prevention of illegal fishing aims to protect marine ecosystems that support long-term fishing livelihoods. Citizens concerned with India’s marine resource security and ocean governance will see India now playing a fuller role in regional fisheries management.