India to enhance local blue economy

The Indian Maritime University and the Batangas State University agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen India and Philippines' bilateral ties on the blue economy.

The said MoU was signed on 11 November by Dr. Malini V. Shankar, vice chancellor of Indian Maritime University and Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, president of Batangas State University, with India Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran.

Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Marine Engineering, Nautical Science and Management will be the focus of the MoU.

Several programs in the fields of marine science, marine biodiversity, port, and logistics management will also be conducted.

"This MoU will particularly facilitate the  skilling  of specialized human resources, a key objective of both governments. It is in line with the effort of both countries to further  expand  their people-centric partnership," Kumaran said.

Kumaran underlined the significance of the MoU bilaterally as well as in the larger strategic framework of the Indo-Pacific.

India and the Philippines have finalized the terms of reference for the Maritime Affairs Dialogue. Its first round is expected to be held in 2023.

To broaden further cooperation in fisheries, an MoU on Research Collaboration between the Indian Council for Agriculture Research and BSU's Apolinario R. Apacible School of Fisheries is under consideration.  In addition, an MoU on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation between India and Philippines' Coast Guards is also being finalized.