Mumbai, October 28:- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated state-of-the-art Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai, marking a significant leap forward in India’s cooperative-led fisheries sector.
The event witnessed the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol.
During the ceremony, Shah handed over the keys of the new vessels to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), underscoring India’s vision of self-reliance, sustainability, and cooperative empowerment in the marine sector.
Each vessel, costing around ₹1.2 crore, is jointly funded by the Government of Maharashtra, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and the Union Fisheries Department. The initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and aims to advance India’s Blue Economy by modernizing marine fisheries and expanding deep-sea operations.
A Joint Working Group (JWG) formed by the Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Cooperation will promote cooperative-led deep-sea ventures through Fisheries Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
Traditionally, Indian fishermen have operated within 40–60 nautical miles using small-scale boats, restricting their income potential. The new initiative will allow cooperatives to operate in deeper waters, especially around Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enabling access to high-value fish species such as tuna.
Officials stated that the project will enhance seafood exports, improve coastal livelihoods, and encourage technological modernization in India’s marine sector. By emphasizing cooperative participation, the government seeks inclusive economic growth while maintaining environmental sustainability in maritime ecosystems.
Earlier in the day, Amit Shah also inaugurated the India Maritime Week 2025, paying tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and emphasizing India’s maritime heritage. Addressing the gathering, Shah said, “India believes in cooperation, and we have prepared a roadmap for it.”
He noted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the country’s maritime vision aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal — combining economic progress with strategic maritime strength.
