First Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave Concludes with strong commitment to explore future collaborations

First Kerala-EU Blue Economy Conclave Concludes with strong commitment to explore future collaborations

New Delhi / Thiruvananthapuram, 23 September 2025: The Kerala-European Union (EU) Blue Economy Conclave, a first-of-its-kind initiative, concluded in Thiruvananthapuram on 19 September 2025, laying the groundwork for deeper EU-India cooperation and partnership in sustainable ocean investments, maritime activities, climate action, skills and innovation with Kerala as one promising hub to further this agenda. Co-hosted by the Government of Kerala, the European Union, and the Government of India, the conclave brought together a "Team Europe" delegation led by EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Hervé Delphin, with Ambassadors and senior representatives from 17 EU Member States as well representatives from European business.

The conclave served as a collaborative platform to explore and identify opportunities for cooperation in climate-resilient coastal development, shipping and port logistics, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, renewable energy, circular economy models, and wellness tourism. Both sides reiterated their intent to explore opportunities of mutual interest,with public-private partnerships seen as key to unlocking growth, jobs, and innovation while safeguarding marine ecosystems.

The event was inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan in the presence of Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Lalan Singh, key State ministers, other representatives of the Union Ministries, the Team Europe delegation, as well as leaders from Indian and European industry and civil society.

EU Ambassadors also held a separate meeting with the Chief Minister. Speaking at the conclave, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "By partnering with the European Union-global leaders in marine technologies, ocean governance, and sustainability frameworks-we seek to enhance our capacity for sustainable ocean-based development, from fisheries to coastal resilience and marine innovation."

While over 6,000 European companies are active in India, Kerala currently ranks only 10^th in terms of European investment, a gap that signals immense room for growth. Speaking about this, EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin said, "Kerala presents many opportunities for European stakeholders, from maritime industries and coastal resilience to skills and tourism. This conclave is more than an event; it is the beginning of long-term collaboration between Europe and India. Kerala has unique assets that can turn potential into reality: your location, your human capital, and your window to the sea and the world."

Under the EU's Global Gateway strategy, several collaborative projects are already underway in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram is part of the EU-supported CITIIS 2.0 programme, focusing on integrated solid waste management, while the Kochi Metro has benefited from financial support by EU Member States Germany and France. Collaboration with Kerala is ongoing to reduce plastic waste, including in fishing operations at sea. In addition, under the India-EU Water Partnership, a project is being developed with the city of Thiruvananthapuram following a flood study conducted in Kochi.

Participants at the conclave

Team Europe delegation included: Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India; H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium; H.E. Mr. Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria; H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark; H.E. Mr. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland; H.E. Mr. István Szabó, Ambassador of Hungary; H.E. Mr. Antonio Enrico Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy; H.E. Mr Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta; H.E. Dr. Piotr Świtalski, Ambassador-Designate/ Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Poland; H.E. Mr. Robert Maxian, Ambassador of Slovakia; H.E. Mr. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain and H.E. Ms. Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania. In addition, Ms. Gisela Kristoferitsch, Deputy Head of Austria; Mr. Damien Syed, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of France; Ms. Irma Sincovek, Deputy Chief of Slovenia; Mr. Huib Mijnarends, Deputy head of Netherlands ; Dr.Simon H Perker, First secretary, Economic and Global affairs of Germany and Ms Cecilia Tall, Counsellor Innovation and Science of Sweden were part of the Team Europe delegation.

From Kerala, participants included Shri Saji Cherian, Minister for Fisheries; Shri K.N. Balagopal, Minister for Finance; Smt. Veena George, Minister for Health and Woman and Child Development; Shri. P. A. Mohammed Riyas, Minister for Public Works and Tourism; P Rajan, Minister of Revenue; Smt. J. Chinju Rani, Minister for Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development and Shri Ramachandran Kadannappalli, Minister for Registration, Museums and Archeology.

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Alias Lalan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, and Shri George Kurien, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs, representing the central government, joined the deliberations, underlining the strong national commitment to advancing India's blue economy. Also present were Shri V.D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition, Sri M.A. Yusuff Ali, Vice Chairman of NORKA Roots, and Shri A. Jayathilak, Chief Secretary of Kerala.