11. India’s Blue Economy Mission and Andhra Pradesh’s Strategic Role

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has highlighted that the Union Budget 2026-27 serves as a strategic roadmap for the \'Blue Economy,\' with Andhra Pradesh and other coastal states acting as the primary drivers. The budget integrates fisheries, marine exports, and critical mineral corridors into a cohesive framework aimed at achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. • National Priority Status: The Blue Economy has been elevated to a \'National Priority Mission,\' focusing on the sustainable exploitation, preservation, and regeneration of marine resources to boost India\'s GDP. • Deep-Sea Fishing Reforms: In a major policy shift, the budget allows duty-free fishing by Indianflagged vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas. Furthermore, fish landings at foreign ports are now officially recognized as \'exports,\' enhancing global competitiveness. • Marine Infrastructure Integration: The mission emphasizes the modernization of reservoirs, the creation of cold-chain networks, and the development of 34 designated production and processing clusters to reduce post-harvest losses. • Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Corridor: Andhra Pradesh is set to host a specialized corridor for rare earth elements. This links maritime logistics with next-generation manufacturing, focusing on minerals essential for green energy and high-tech sectors. • Strategic Industrial Corridors: The budget advances the integration of ports with high-speed rail and industrial clusters on the eastern coast, creating a seamless logistics architecture for global supply chain participation. • Three Pillars of Budget 2026-27: The roadmap is built on Productivity, Resilience, and Inclusivity, ensuring that growth in the blue ocean sector also empowers coastal communities, women-led SHGs, and MSMEs. Key Definitions • Blue Economy: The sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): A sea zone prescribed by the UNCLOS over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, extending 200 nautical miles from the coast. • Deep Ocean Mission (DOM): A multi-ministerial mission to explore the deep ocean for resources (like polymetallic nodules) and develop deep-sea technologies like the MATSYA-6000 submersible. Constitutional & Legal Provisions • Article 297: Specifies that all lands, minerals, and other things of value underlying the ocean within the territorial waters, the contiguous zone, or the EEZ of India vest in the Union. • The Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976: Provides the legal framework for India\'s maritime rights and jurisdiction.• Customs Act, 1962 (Proposed Amendment 2026): To be amended (specifically Section 1 and adding Section 56A) to extend jurisdiction for fishing activities and allow duty-free treatment of catch from the EEZ. • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): The international \'Constitution for the Oceans\' that defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world\'s oceans. Additional Key Points • Polavaram Project: The budget allocated ₹3,320 crore for the completion of the Polavaram Irrigation Project, which is vital for the water security and agricultural productivity of Andhra Pradesh. • Rare Earth Potential: India possesses roughly 11 million tonnes of monazite (a rare earth source), with Andhra Pradesh holding a significant share (approx. 3.69 million tonnes). • Digital Integration: The use of the ReALCRaft portal and the Nabhmitra app is being scaled up to ensure the safety of fishermen and the sustainable management of deep-sea resources. Conclusion The Union Budget 2026-27 marks a decisive shift from coastal-only thinking to a \'Blue Ocean\' strategy. By leveraging Andhra Pradesh\'s long coastline and integrating it with advanced mineral corridors and irrigation projects, the government aims to transform coastal states from mere geographical boundaries into vibrant economic engines. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper III (Economy): Blue Economy, infrastructure (Ports, Logistics), and the role of the primary sector (Fisheries) in economic growth. • GS Paper III (Science & Technology): Deep Ocean Mission, extraction of rare earth and critical minerals for the energy transition. • GS Paper II (Governance): Centre-State relations in the context of specific state-based projects (Polavaram, Amaravati) and the implementation of national missions.