The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the Government of Puducherry have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the blue economy and improve coastal resilience. The agreement establishes a framework of cooperation across six strategic areas that aim to support sustainable development and climate adaptation in coastal communities. The signing took place in New Delhi on 12 February 2026 and was attended by senior officials from both sides.

The memorandum identifies sustainable marine fisheries, offshore wind energy, desalination technologies, ocean climate advisory and real time monitoring, permanent coastal management and marine spatial planning as priority domains. Under sustainable marine fisheries MoES will support livelihoods by promoting deep sea fishing, seaweed cultivation and by helping to identify migratory routes and productive fishing grounds. The offshore wind work will include feasibility studies and technical assistance to diversify the energy portfolio towards renewables while desalination efforts will focus on deploying seawater desalination plants to address freshwater scarcity. The climate advisory component will establish observation infrastructure and forecasting systems to support climate resilient planning.

Implementation arrangements will see designation of nodal officers and the establishment of joint working groups to oversee specific projects and monitor progress. The MoU has an initial validity of five years and will be subject to at least annual progress reviews to ensure timely delivery. Representatives from the Deep Ocean Mission, the National Institute of Ocean Technology and other MoES divisions and Puducherry administration were present at the event.

The partnership is expected to deliver science driven shoreline monitoring, erosion control measures and upgraded marine spatial planning that integrates offshore wind and resource mapping to support multiple marine sectors. Technical support for desalination and renewable energy projects will aim to enhance water security and diversify the local energy mix, thereby supporting livelihoods and resilience. MoES indicated that the collaboration will lay a foundation for a robust and sustainable blue economy in the region.