Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], January 23 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the NDA government remains committed to the welfare of fishermen, with an emphasis on improving market access and use of modern technology.

PM Modi today interacted with a delegation of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, representatives of the fishing community, during his visit to Kerala after inaugurating a clutch of Central Government projects

Terming the interaction 'a delight,' the Prime Minister posted on X platform that he exchanged views on issues related to Kerala's development. He also lauded the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha for its sustained efforts towards the welfare of the fishing community.

Highlighting initiatives taken over the past decade, the Prime Minister said the NDA government has worked extensively to support fishermen by improving market linkages, access to technology, and livelihoods. He added that these efforts would be intensified in the coming times.

Through his official X post, he said, 'It was a delight to interact with a delegation of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha. Exchanged perspectives on issues relating to Kerala's progress. This organisation has been doing commendable work in furthering the welfare of fishermen.'

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2014621721127780561

He added, ' Over the last decade, the NDA Government has worked extensively for fishermen. Our emphasis has been on ensuring better markets and technology for them. This work will continue with greater vigour in the coming times.'

Earlier today while addressing a gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi said 'Suhurthugale (friends) The welfare of fishermen is also a top priority for the NDA. Under the PM Matsya Sampada Scheme, Kerala has received assistance worth Rs 1,400 crore. This is a flagship initiative of the BJP-led central government, which has even created a separate ministry for fisheries. For the first time, fishermen have been given the benefits of Kisan Credit Cards. We have also provided insurance coverage for fishermen and offered financial support for deep-sea fishing and the purchase of boats and equipment.'

Earlier on Wednesday, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, organised the Round Table Conference on 'Seafood Export Promotion under the chairmanship of Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.

The session was held in the presence of George Kurian, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ministry of Minority Affairs, and SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

The Conference witnessed participation from Diplomats representing 40 countries, including Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other Senior Mission Officials from Albania, Angola, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Iceland, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Senegal, Moldova, Togo, Benin, Qatar, Mexico, Venezuela, Vietnam, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iraq, Mali, Norway, Republic of Guinea, Russia, Spain, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia; spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Oceania and Latin America & the Caribbean.

Representatives from International Organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) also participated. Senior officials from the Department of Fisheries and various Line Ministries of the Government of India were also present.

According to a statement from the Ministries of Fisheries, the extensive representation underscored the growing strength of India's international partnerships in the fisheries and seafood sector. Climate change and ocean health, sustainability, responsible fisheries, technology transfer, green innovation, capacity building, supply-chain development, and emerging domains such as ornamental fisheries and seaweed cultivation emerged as key pillars for enhanced collaboration.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, in his address, highlighted India's emergence as a major global player in fisheries and aquaculture, backed by strong policies, processing capacity, and logistics, with seafood exports doubling over the past decade.

He emphasised that India is strengthening compliance and transparency through the National Framework on Traceability (2025), the EEZ Rules (2025), and the updated High-Sea Fishing Guidelines (2025), with a focus on sustainable, export-oriented growth in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

The Minister underlined wide-ranging opportunities for cooperation in advanced aquaculture and mariculture technologies, processing, cold chains, vessel design, digital monitoring, joint R&D, technology transfer, climate resilience, sustainable fisheries management, trade expansion, and private-sector partnerships. (ANI)