A high-level Indian delegation led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, visited Reykjavik, Iceland, from September 10–12, 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation, investment, and technology exchange between India and Iceland in fisheries and aquaculture.
On September 11, Dr. Likhi held a high-level meeting with senior representatives of the Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC). Discussions focused on developing fisheries and aquaculture clusters in India, adopting zero-waste technologies, and advancing value addition, traceability, and certification. Both sides explored opportunities to accelerate the blue economy by combining Iceland’s advanced technologies with India’s vast production capacity.
The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) also showcased India’s cluster-based development model. Leading Icelandic companies such as BRIM and Hampiðjan shared insights on their innovative zero-waste processing models and cutting-edge techniques.
On September 10, the Indian delegation attended the Iceland Fishing Expo 2025. During the event, Dr. Likhi met Iceland’s Minister of Industry, Ms. Hanna Katrin Fridriksson, to discuss strengthening institutional and business ties. The delegation also interacted with Icelandic agencies and entrepreneurs to gain insights into sustainable fishing technologies and innovations.
Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in adopting modern deep-sea fishing vessels, trans-shipment facilities, value addition, training, and vessel monitoring systems. Special focus was also given to promoting trout farming in India’s hill states and advanced tuna fishing techniques in coastal regions.
The delegation also visited MATIS, Iceland’s leading food and biotechnology research company, where they reviewed Iceland’s work on food safety, biotechnology, and sustainable use of marine resources. This engagement opened new avenues for research collaborations and technology transfer between the two nations.
Iceland Ocean Cluster and India’s Initiative:
Established in 2011, the Iceland Ocean Cluster is a pioneering innovation hub focused on 100% utilization of marine resources and sustainable growth. In parallel, the Government of India is already implementing a cluster-based approach under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). To date, 34 clusters have been notified across the country, bringing together fish farmers, cooperatives, startups, and entrepreneurs to drive competitive and sustainable development in the sector.
