The Centre has approved India's move from cooperating partner to full Contracting Party of SIOFA, opening authorised high-seas fishing for squid, toothfish and other non-migratory stocks.

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• The Central Government approved India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement on 14 October 2026.
• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said Indian-flagged vessels and enterprises can now seek authorised fishing within the agreement's jurisdiction.
• Covered stocks include squid, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory fish resources.
• India has been a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party since 2022, a status that limits its role in decision-making.
• Full accession lets India participate in decision-making bodies, including the Scientific Committee and the Compliance Committee.
• India will also gain better access to scientific data, research programmes and fish-stock assessments.
• SIOFA was signed in Rome on 7 July 2006 and entered into force in June 2012.
• The agreement excludes highly migratory species, which fall under the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.
• India has been a Contracting Party to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission since 1996.
• The decision follows India's Guidelines for High Sea Fisheries, issued in December 2025.
• Accession will involve India in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection Scheme, which supports coastal security and curbs illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
• The government says the move advances India's Blue Economy objectives and strategic regional priorities.

Tags: SIOFA, HighSeasFisheries, BlueEconomy