India stands on the cusp of an economic revolution powered by the sea, according to Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. In a compelling address, he detailed how marine science and biotechnology innovations will drive GDP growth, enhance employment, and promote environmental sustainability across the country.
With oceans covering 97% of the planet’s water, Singh underscored India’s strategic maritime assets: a coastline teeming with biodiversity and deep-sea resources ripe for exploitation. Key projects include offshore wind farms, desalination plants powered by renewables, and biotech labs extracting life-saving drugs from marine microbes.
‘Biotechnology will transform seaweed into biofuels and algae into superfoods,’ Singh explained, projecting a blue economy contribution of $100 billion annually by decade’s end. Job creation targets focus on skilling youth in coastal states for roles in ocean engineering, sustainable fishing, and eco-tourism.
On the green front, the minister advocated for marine protected areas and AI-monitored fisheries to prevent overexploitation. He spotlighted the PM’s vision for a ‘Sagar Mala’ network linking ports with biotech parks, fostering a self-reliant India.
Drawing parallels to Norway’s oil success, Singh urged public-private partnerships. ‘Our youth, our scientists, our seas—this trinity will redefine prosperity,’ he said. As global powers eye Indo-Pacific waters, India’s marine push signals bold leadership in sustainable development.
