Centre approves India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)
On 14 October 2026, the Central Government approved India's accession to SIOFA, moving India from Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (since 2022) to a full Contracting Party.
Summary
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 14 October 2026 that the Central Government has approved India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). India has been only a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) since 2022; as a Contracting Party it can fully take part in bodies such as the Scientific Committee and Compliance Committee and in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection Scheme. Indian-flagged vessels will be able to undertake authorised fishing of squids, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory stocks in SIOFA's area. The step follows the Guidelines for High Sea Fisheries issued in December 2025 and aims to expand India's high-seas fleet and Blue Economy.
Key facts
- Agreement
- Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)
- Decision
- Accession approved, announced 14 October 2026
- Earlier status
- Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) since 2022
- Target species
- Squids, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory stocks
- Excluded
- Highly migratory species (UNCLOS Annex I) and coastal-state sedentary species (Art. 77(4))
- Other Indian Ocean RFMO
- Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) — India a Contracting Party since 1996
- Linked policy
- Guidelines for High Sea Fisheries, December 2025
- High seas
- About 65% of the global ocean
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In October 2026, the Central Government approved India's accession to which regional fisheries agreement?
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Correct answer: C — Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)
Since which year had India been a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) of SIOFA before its accession was approved?
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Correct answer: D — 2022
Which Indian Ocean RFMO, of which India has been a Contracting Party since 1996, regulates highly migratory tuna and tuna-like species?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)