A high-level secretary-led Indian delegation, headed by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, undertook a three-day official visit to Reykjavík, Iceland, from September 10–12, 2025. The mission aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture through strategic partnerships, investment promotion, and innovation exchange.
Strategic Dialogue with Icelandic Ocean Cluster
On September 11, Dr. Likhi held a high-level meeting with senior representatives of the Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC) in Reykjavík. Discussions focused on establishing fisheries and aquaculture clusters in India with zero-waste interventions, leveraging Iceland’s technological leadership in sustainable marine practices and India’s large-scale production capacity.
Both sides explored investment opportunities for Icelandic seafood processors in India and emphasized the need for stronger business-to-business (B2B) linkages. Innovation-driven cooperation in fish processing, value addition, traceability, and certification was highlighted to enhance sustainability and global competitiveness.
Showcasing India’s Vision
Officials from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) presented India’s vision for developing fisheries clusters, showcasing opportunities in investment, innovation, and international collaboration. Leading Icelandic companies such as BRIM and Hampiðjan, along with the IOC, shared insights into their pioneering zero-waste models and cutting-edge processing technologies.
The meeting also featured participation from R. Ravindra, Ambassador of India to Iceland, senior embassy officials, and prominent Icelandic leaders including Thor Sigfusson, Founder and Chairman of IOC, and Bala Kamallakharan, Founder of Startup Iceland.
Dr. Likhi further visited MATIS, Iceland’s leading food and biotech R&D company, where he reviewed research on food safety, biotechnology, and sustainable marine resource utilization—opening pathways for collaboration in research and technology transfer to strengthen India’s fisheries value chain.
Engagement at Icelandic Fishing Expo 2025
On September 10, the delegation attended the Icelandic Fishing Expo 2025 at Laugardalshöll, Reykjavík, where Dr. Likhi met with Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister of Industries, Iceland. The two sides discussed sectoral developments and explored avenues for stronger institutional and commercial ties.
The Indian team also engaged with Icelandic fishing associations, agencies, and entrepreneurs to gain insights into innovative technologies and global best practices in sustainable fishing.
Future Pathways for Cooperation
In thematic discussions, both countries identified priority areas for future cooperation:
Establishing fisheries and aquaculture clusters with zero-waste interventions
Deploying deep-sea fishing vessels with on-board processing and trans-shipment facilities
Enhancing value addition, traceability, and certification systems
Training and capacity building in deep-sea fishing technologies
Adoption of advanced vessel monitoring and surveillance (VMS) systems for improved regulatory oversight
Promoting trout farming, health management, and marketing in India’s hilly states
Developing specialised tuna fishing technologies for the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands