Context:

On February 21, 2025, India assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives. The meeting was part of the high-level conference titled "Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Small-Scale Fisheries."

Key areas of focus under India’s leadership of BOBP-IGO: 

Under India’s chairmanship, key areas of focus for increased regional cooperation include:

• • Marine resource management
  • Training and capacity building programs
  • Research and policy advocacy
  • Addressing IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing
  • Resolving regional issues
  • Promoting the development of the fisheries sector in member countries

About BOBP-IGO:

• The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), set up in 2003, is a unique regional fisheries body, specifically mandated to assist the member countries in increasing the livelihood opportunities and improving the quality of life of the small-scale/ artisanal fisher folk in the Bay of Bengal region. The current members of the Organisation are Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka while Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand are cooperating non-contracting parties.
• The core objectives of the BOBP-IGO are to increase awareness and knowledge of the needs, benefits and practices of marine fisheries management; enhance skills through training and education; transfer appropriate technologies and techniques for development of the small-scale fisheries; establish regional information networking; and promote women's participation in marine fisheries value chain.

Conclusion:

India’s assumption of the chairmanship is a historic milestone that not only establishes the country as a regional leader in marine resource management but also underscores its commitment to sustainable development, strengthening regional cooperation, and leading global initiatives in marine ecosystem protection.