Global Blue Economy Summit 2026 begins in Bhubaneswar as Odisha outlines its maritime growth vision, highlighting ports, fisheries, tourism and ocean innovation
OdishaPlus Bureau
The two-day Global Blue Economy Summit 2026 kicked off with a grand vision on Friday at the Odisha State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, investors, and coastal community representatives to deliberate on the future of India’s ocean economy.
Addressing the inaugural session, Chief Secretary Anu Garg outlined Odisha Government’s ambitious vision to harness the state’s vast maritime potential for economic growth, sustainable livelihoods, and ecological balance.
Highlighting Odisha’s geographical advantage, Garg said the state’s 575-km coastline provides immense opportunities for port-led development, fisheries, coastal tourism, marine ecosystems, and offshore energy. “For a long time we have said that Odisha has an EDGE—Economy, Demography, Geographical advantage and Ecosystem,” she said, noting that these strengths position the state strongly for blue economy leadership.
She emphasised Odisha’s strong economic fundamentals, stating that the state is now a revenue-surplus, mid-income economy with a Gross State Domestic Product of nearly ₹10 lakh crore. Referring to a recent assessment by NITI Aayog, she added that Odisha has been ranked number one among major states in fiscal health, reflecting prudent financial management and strong resource mobilisation.
The CS also outlined the state’s long-term development vision. “We aim to grow from a 113-billion Dollar economy to 500 billion Dollar by 2036 and 1.5 trillion Dollar by 2047,” she said, adding that the blue economy would be a critical pillar in achieving this goal. Initiatives such as a Deep Sea Fishing Mission and a Shrimp Mission have been announced to strengthen marine fisheries and seafood exports.
She further highlighted plans for Paradip port expansion, development of 12 new ports apart from coastal tourism promotion. In her address she highlighted that the Government wants tourists to ‘Think Odisha while Thinking India’ and to boost the vision, 14 new beaches are being developed, two as blue flag beaches.
The Chief Secretary also mentioned about development of a cruise terminal for shipping in Puri apart from marine biotechnology, and offshore renewable energy, stressing the importance of scientific planning such as marine spatial analysis to sustainably harness ocean resources.
Built around the theme “Harnessing Science, Innovation and Sustainability for India’s Maritime Future,” Global Blue Economy Summit 2026 is hosted by the BCKIC, an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in association with the Commerce and Transport Department, Government of Odisha and NITI Aayog.
The event has brought together 50+ ministries and departments, international delegations, over 100 startups and innovators, corporate leaders, researchers, investors, and coastal communities. Across 10 thematic sessions, experts will deliberate on marine conservation, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, artificial intelligence for ocean resources, maritime trade, and deep-sea technologies.
The summit is expected to generate actionable ideas and partnerships to strengthen India’s maritime future while positioning Odisha as a national hub for blue economy innovation and sustainable coastal development.
