India’s blue revolution is gaining momentum, with Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh announcing that marine science and biotechnology will form the bedrock of economic expansion, environmental stewardship, and job creation.
In a detailed policy exposition, Singh revealed how the government is channeling resources into ocean-based innovation. The country’s expansive maritime domain offers immense wealth in fisheries, offshore wind energy, and biodiverse ecosystems ripe for biotech harvesting.
Key announcements included the launch of the Blue Economy 2.0 framework, which allocates billions for R&D in marine genomics, desalination technologies, and eco-friendly shipping. ‘This isn’t peripheral development; it’s central to our $5 trillion economy dream,’ Singh asserted.
He elaborated on job creation strategies: skill development programs for 5 million youth in aquaculture and marine engineering by 2028. Coastal economic zones will attract investments in seafood processing and biopharmaceuticals, turning traditional fishing communities into high-tech entrepreneurs.
Environmentally, the blueprint prioritizes carbon-sequestering kelp farms and plastic biodegradation using marine microbes. Singh showcased pilot successes from the Andaman and Lakshadweep islands, where biotech interventions have revived fish stocks by 40%.
Global benchmarks were referenced, with India aiming to surpass China’s marine output through indigenous innovations like the Indigenous Technology Cruise Vessel for deep-sea surveys. Public-private partnerships with giants like Reliance and ONGC will accelerate commercialization.
Singh addressed challenges head-on: overfishing, coastal erosion, and ocean acidification. Integrated solutions combining traditional knowledge with AI analytics promise resilient ecosystems.
Wrapping up, the minister envisioned a future where India’s oceans fuel self-reliance. ‘From lab to sea to market—this is how we script our maritime renaissance,’ he said, igniting optimism for a wave of prosperity.