Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday (January 17, 2026) said Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be developed as a hub for India’s blue economy.
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences has said that India’s future economic contribution will increasingly come from untapped marine resources as the country moves rapidly to become one of the world’s leading economies.
He stressed that the government’s strong focus on the blue economy reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that India cannot develop in isolation by focusing only on the mainland and leaving behind island territories and coastal regions.
During a visit to the Atal Center for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI) to launch and review key marine technology initiatives to boost blue economy and livelihoods in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he told scientists and officials that the deep-ocean mission will play a critical role in India’s journey to becoming a developed country by 2047 as vast marine resources remain largely unexplored.
Mr. Singh recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the Deep Ocean mission from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day 2023 and 2024, highlighting its strategic importance.
The blue economy may not be visible to people in the northern parts of the country, but it represents one of the biggest contributions to the national economy,” the minister said.
The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth, better livelihoods and jobs while protecting the health of the marine ecosystem.
Mr. Singh said that India, which has rapidly climbed the global economic charts, must now focus on adding value from sources that have not been fully explored. “To move from the fourth largest economy to the top, we need to take advantage of areas like the deep sea and marine biodiversity,” he said.
During the visit, he reviewed and announced initiatives, including open-sea cage culture demonstrations for marine fishermen and seaweed farming, aimed at supporting livelihoods and promoting sustainable marine practices. He said technology transfer for these projects has already been completed.
“Every citizen, industry and institution has a role to play in building the state,” the minister said.
Highlighting the role of biotechnology in the blue economy, Mr. Singh said that India’s dedicated biotechnology policy Bio-E3 – Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment promotes innovations such as biodegradable alternatives to marine-based plastics.
“Marine-based biodegradable products meet all three goals: create jobs, protect the environment and build a new bio-economy,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Biotechnology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences are working together on such projects.
The Union Minister said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer unique marine species and ecological conditions that cannot be replicated elsewhere, making the region ideal for advanced marine research. He also announced the launch of a coral fish development project aimed at both domestic consumption and export markets.
Noting the growing global demand for non-animal food products, marine nutraceuticals and medicines, especially in Europe, the minister said India could offer a diversified export basket by leveraging its marine biodiversity.
“Many highly potent medicinal compounds used in cancer and other treatments can be produced more cheaply from marine plants,” he said.
Mr. Singh proposed the creation of a collaborative cluster involving institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Biotechnology and CSIR to maximize the results of blue economy initiatives.
He reviewed ongoing ocean science projects, interacted with scientists and fishermen, and highlighted the participation of women and self-help groups in sea-based livelihoods.
“This region has unparalleled diversity from the Bay of Bengal to the Indian Ocean. With the right technology and collaboration, India can lead the global blue economy,” Singh said.
He also praised the administration’s efforts to promote development and tourism in the islands, noting that political decisions have helped unlock the region’s economic potential.
Published – 17 Jan 2026 20:05 IST