In a powerful show of global ocean leadership, India hosted the Second Blue Talks on May 20, 2025, marking a major step in galvanizing international momentum ahead of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), set to take place in Nice, France, from June 9–13, 2025.
Held at Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, the event was a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the Embassy of France, and the Embassy of Costa Rica. With a shared commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 Life Below Water the Blue Talks served as a strategic consultation to align India’s ocean ambitions with global sustainability goals.
The second edition followed the inaugural Blue Talks in February 2024, expanding its reach by bringing together an influential group of scientists, diplomats, policymakers, industry leaders, civil society members, and academia. Their shared aim: to forge actionable policies for a healthier, more resilient ocean.
Leadership was at the forefront, with MoES Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran chairing the discussions. He was joined by H.E. Mr. Néstor Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica to India, and Mr. Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy.
“To truly achieve SDG 14 and the goals of the UN Ocean Decade, we must prioritise comprehensive ocean resource mapping, develop cutting-edge technologies, implement policy interventions, and invest in building robust human capital for our marine future,” said Dr. Ravichandran.
Ambassador Vargas added, “This event will significantly strengthen collaboration between our nations, driving concrete action towards SDG 14.”
France’s support was also evident, with Mr. Syed emphasizing the urgency of ocean diplomacy, especially as India prepares to ratify the BBNJ Agreement a pivotal treaty for managing marine biodiversity in international waters.
A significant milestone of the event was the release of a white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth.” The report lays out a comprehensive blueprint for unlocking India’s marine potential while aligning with environmental goals.
The white paper positions the Ministry of Earth Sciences as the central coordinating body for India’s Blue Economy. It integrates various government arms 25 Union Ministries, coastal states, and Union Territories into a unified policy approach.
Drawing inspiration from India’s G20 Presidency and the Chennai High-Level Principles for a Resilient Blue Economy, the paper aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 national vision and lays a roadmap for long-term marine prosperity.
Key Findings & Challenges
India’s 7,500 km coastline and its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are identified as powerful economic drivers.
Fragmented data systems, low private investment, and technology shortfalls in fields like marine biotechnology, offshore wind, and deep-sea mining are seen as bottlenecks.
Inspiring success stories such as women-led seaweed farming cooperatives in Tamil Nadu, green port models, and ship recycling hubs in Gujarat offer replicable models for national scale-up.
Structured around four thematic pillars, the Second Blue Talks facilitated vibrant discussions on:
•Conservation and Restoration of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
•Promoting Ocean Science, Marine Technology, and Education
•Reducing Marine Pollution Especially Land-Based Sources
•Understanding the Interconnectedness of Ocean, Climate, and Biodiversity
Each theme was tied directly to UNOC3’s agenda, encouraging stakeholders to think globally while acting locally.
Action-Oriented Dialogue and Roadmapping
Through high-level panels, working groups, and interactive sessions, participants formulated detailed proposals including:
Developing integrated marine spatial planning tools, Strengthening vocational training and marine education to build “blue skills”, Creating investment instruments for sustainable ocean-based enterprises.
These proposals will contribute directly to India’s policy and negotiation stances at the upcoming UNOC3, ensuring that its voice remains strong in international marine governance.
The Second Blue Talks affirmed India’s growing stature as a responsible steward of marine ecosystems. Through effective diplomatic partnerships with countries like France and Costa Rica, India demonstrated that cooperative action anchored in science and shared vision can offer real solutions to global marine challenges.
As the world prepares to gather in France for UNOC3, the outcomes of the Second Blue Talks will serve as foundational inputs from India. The country’s continued focus on marine sustainability from biodiversity protection to economic development reflects a comprehensive commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.