India has recently assumed the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) during the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives.

About Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation

• Established: Set up in 2003.
• Mandate: A unique regional fisheries body focused on enhancing livelihood opportunities and improving the quality of life for small-scale/artisanal fisher folk in the Bay of Bengal.
• Evolution: Evolved from the Bay of Bengal Programme of the FAO, established in 1979.
• Impact: Has set international benchmarks in executing small-scale fisheries programs, translating into measurable benefits for member countries.
• Membership: Current members are Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, with Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand as cooperating non-contracting parties.

India’s leadership in BOBP-IGO is seen as opportunity to advance the national goal of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.