Ambassador of the European Union in India Herve Delphin speaks during the Blue European Union EU 2025 in Thiruvananthapurama, Kerala, Friday, September 19, 2025. Photo Credit: –
The two -day conclave of the Blue Economy, which took place in the scenic Kovalm, where Kerala and the European Union (EU) discussed future partnerships in the sector seafood, pointing attention to the prohibition American import tariffs for the Indian seafood sections.
On Friday, the Conclave and Chief Minister Pinaraya Vijayan said that his state “accepts the vision of the blue economy” and that the EU EU cooperation has helped expand opportunities for its sector fishing. “Blues Tides – Kerala -European Union Blue Economy Conclave, organized by the State Department of Fishing on Thursday and Friday, was attended by the Ambassadors in India of several EU Member Nations.
Perala-Eu partnership, said Minister Kerala, should have a strong foundation based on mutual respect and shared values. The seafood sector was one of the most interesting areas where Kerala can work with the EU, given the “global leadership” in maritime technologies, ocean and sustainability, he said.
The European Union Ambassador, India, Herve Delphin, said the EU had proposed to the main minister Keral to create a “common platform and node” for smooth cooperation between the two regions.
“When we develop our tracks in India, it is important that the connection works smoothly for investors and on the official level. One of the ideas we have submitted to the main minister is to consider the creation of a common platform and nodes to work with the EU that could be accelerated by EU Member States.
Minister of Fishing Keral Saji Cherian, who addressed Conclave on Thursday, described cooperation with the EU as a new door that opened in front of Kerala after “Trump tariffs” hit the sea exports hard.
(One Tank Think Survey supported by Kerala’s government showed that the three-year average value of the marine product exports from Kerala to the US increased from 513 Crore within three fiscal in 2014-15 to 2016-17 to 1093 Crore during 2022-23 to 2024-25.)
The Minister of Trade Unions for Fishing, Breeding of Animals and Dairy Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), who was an honorary guest on the second day, also described the proposed partnership between the EU and Kerala as a huge potential for expanding trade and access to the market.
Mr. Singh described the EU as a “vital partner” for the Indian fishing sector. India appreciates the EU commitment to food safety and traceability, he said, adding that the Indian sector pushes fishing to traceability and control of contaminants at every stage of processes.
According to the state government, the ambassadors and representatives from 18 countries participated.
Published – September 20, 2025 20:43
