NITI Aayog Report on India’s Blue Economy

Current Context: On October 13, 2025, NITI Aayog released the report “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries.”

• India is the 2nd largest fish producer, supporting 30 million livelihoods and earning ₹60,523 crore exports (FY24).
• The report highlights India’s 2 million sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with 7.16 MT fisheries potential, largely untapped.
• Currently, India has only 4 flagged vessels in high seas, compared to Sri Lanka’s 1,883 and Iran’s 1,216.
• Roadmap: 3 phases (2025–41) – foundation, scale-up, and global leadership in deep-sea fishing.
• Calls for ₹9,000 crore investment, a new law for the 12–200 nautical mile zone, and modernized fleets.
• Focus areas: sustainability, digital monitoring, community participation, and global competitiveness.

Question:

Q.1 According to NITI Aayog’s report “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries,” what is the estimated fisheries potential within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
a) 3.5 million tonnes
b) 5.2 million tonnes
c) 7.16 million tonnes
d) 9.8 million tonnes

Answer: c) The report states that India’s EEZ (2 million sq. km) has an untapped fisheries potential of 7.16 million tonnes.