The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, in partnership with the Embassies of France and , hosted the esteemed “Second Blue Talks” at Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. This significant international event marked a key milestone ahead of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), set to be held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025.
Building on the success of the first Blue Talks held in February 2024, the second edition broadened its reach and participation by bringing together a diverse group of scientists, policymakers, international representatives, and key stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. The event maintained a clear focus on driving concrete commitments and accelerating actions aligned with the UNOC3 theme: “Scaling up Ocean Action Based on Science and Innovation for the Implementation of Goal 14: Stocktaking, Partnerships and Solutions.”
Leadership and Vision for Ocean SustainabilityThe event was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, and co-chaired 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. In his opening address, Dr. Ravichandran highlighted the urgent need to align scientific and technological advancements with policy and investment frameworks to unlock the true potential of ocean resources.
“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,” he asserted.
Ambassador Baltodano Vargas added, “This event will significantly strengthen collaboration between our nations, driving concrete action towards SDG 14 and beyond. Costa Rica remains committed to inclusive ocean governance and south-south cooperation.”
Launch of White Paper: “Transforming India’s Blue Economy”A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of a white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth”, developed by MoES in collaboration with its strategic knowledge partner. As the nodal agency for India’s blue economy roadmap, MoES aims to amplify nationwide impact by offering a comprehensive, integrated policy framework.
The white paper provides a strategic blueprint for enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, promoting cross-sectoral synergies, and stimulating private and public investment. It positions India’s vast ocean resources—including an 8,000 km coastline and a 2.3 million square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone—as central to sustainable national development.
Drawing from the achievements of India’s Presidency and the Chennai High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy, the report calls for scalable models to bridge existing gaps in data availability, technological innovation, and investment readiness. Initiatives such as women-led seaweed farming, smart port development, and environmentally responsible ship recycling were cited as successful, replicable case studies.
Thematic Focus: Actionable Stakeholder EngagementThe core of the Second Blue Talks centered around four thematic sessions designed to catalyze strategic dialogue and solution-building:
Discussions revolved around habitat restoration, marine protected areas, and climate-resilient coastal infrastructure.
Delegates emphasized the importance of open-access data platforms, ocean literacy, and cross-border research partnerships.
Participants shared models for reducing plastic leakage, improving wastewater treatment, and promoting circular economy principles.
The session highlighted integrated climate-ocean-biodiversity action plans, stressing the need to mainstream ocean issues in national and global climate agendas.
In his address, Mr. Damien Syed noted, “As India progresses with the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement and with UNOC3 on the horizon, this is a crucial moment to gather profound perspectives from India’s leading ocean experts. The Second Blue Talks represents a remarkable platform to build actionable coalitions.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participating nations to deepen collaboration and ensure that the voices of coastal communities, scientists, and innovators are reflected in global ocean governance frameworks.
Looking Ahead: India’s Role at UNOC3 and BeyondThe Second Blue Talks not only served as a precursor to UNOC3 but also underscored India’s rising leadership in shaping the global blue economy discourse. With the release of the white paper and its proactive stakeholder engagement, India reaffirms its intent to play a pivotal role in the UN Ocean Decade and its vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047”—a developed, resilient, and sustainable India.
As preparations for UNOC3 intensify, the discussions and resolutions of the Second Blue Talks are expected to significantly influence India’s participation and advocacy on the global stage. Through science-based solutions, inclusive dialogue, and shared accountability, the journey toward healthier oceans and a sustainable marine economy gains renewed momentum.
