India has formally requested the European Union (EU) to permit newly-listed fishery companies to export farmed shrimps to the EU market and to lower the current stringent sampling frequency for inspections at border posts, according to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
India is advocating for a reduction in the sampling frequency from the current 50% to revert to the previous norm of 10%. Additionally, India is seeking the re-listing of previously de-listed fishery establishments and urging the EU to grant export permission for aquaculture shrimps produced by newly-listed fishery companies in India.
Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, articulated these vital concerns during a meeting with a delegation from the EU led by Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for Environment, Ocean, and Fisheries.
The bilateral meeting aimed to address several issues related to fisheries and aquaculture while exploring opportunities for collaboration between the two parties.
In response to the EU’s request, both sides have agreed to engage in bilateral discussions on crucial matters, including the port state measure agreement, fisheries subsidies issues within the World Trade Organization (WTO), Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) affairs, ‘Ocean and Fisheries Dialogue,’ combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and addressing market access-related concerns. These discussions will take place within the framework of a joint working group dedicated to fisheries.
As an extension of India’s diplomatic outreach, the EU has also received an invitation to participate in any aspect of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). This invitation was originally extended during the India-EU Leaders’ Summit in May 2021, underscoring India’s commitment to fostering cooperation in the vital domain of maritime affairs.