U.S., India hold talks to guard ocean ecosystems, promote sustainable development

United States and India held talks on sidelines of the U.S.-India Ocean Dialogue Preparatory meeting to protect ocean ecosystems and promote sustainable development through the blue economy.

Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Judith G. Garber and Joint Secretary Munu Mahawar opened the wide-ranging discussions between the two countries on areas of cooperation in sustainable marine resource management, including the blue economy, fisheries security, and joint exploration of exclusive economic zones.

The U.S.-India Ocean Dialogue Preparatory Meeting represents progress toward the commitment made during the first U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue in 2015 to protect ocean ecosystems and promote sustainable development through the blue economy.

Reflecting the whole of government commitment to marine protection, U.S. participation included representatives of the Department of State, U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, and National Science Foundation.

The United States and India collectively have approximately 17,000 miles of coastline, making this official dialogue one of the largest bilateral diplomatic engagements in the world that is specifically focused on oceans.