Andaman & Nicobar to Lead India’s Blue Economy Revolution: Dr. Jitendra Singh

GG News Bureau
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18th Jan: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, declared today that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are set to become the central hub of India’s Blue Economy.

Speaking during a visit to the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI), the Minister launched and reviewed several key marine technology initiatives aimed at bolstering the region’s economy and livelihoods.

Addressing a gathering of scientists, officials, and local stakeholders, Dr. Singh emphasized that India’s future economic growth will increasingly rely on untapped marine resources. He highlighted that the government’s aggressive focus on the Blue Economy mirrors Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that national development cannot be isolated to the mainland.

The Minister noted that sustained advocacy has ensured that island territories like Andaman & Nicobar now receive the highest priority in scientific and administrative engagement, a shift clearly visible since 2014.

Reflecting on the national strategy, Dr. Singh referred to the “Deep Ocean Mission,” noting with pride that the Prime Minister has announced it twice from the Red Fort.

He stressed that as conventional resources dwindle, marine resources will play a decisive role in sustaining India’s growth, generating employment, and ensuring economic resilience. During the event, he inaugurated pilot-scale projects for open sea cage culture of marine fish and large-scale seaweed cultivation, expressing satisfaction that technology transfer to local communities is already underway.

The Minister also elaborated on the critical integration of biotechnology with ocean sciences under the government’s BioE3 policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment).

He explained that marine bio-resources hold the key to developing biodegradable plastic alternatives, new medicinal compounds, and high-value bio-products. He urged for greater participation from Self-Help Groups and women, noting that these initiatives could tap into growing international markets, particularly in Europe, thereby strengthening the “Vocal for Local” and “Local for Global” vision.

Concluding his visit, Dr. Singh expressed confidence that with the collaboration of institutions like CSIR and various biotechnology research centers, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will successfully transform into a global powerhouse for marine research and economic activity.

He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the region, promising that these scientific efforts will yield long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits for the islanders.