Thu Jan 15 03:00:00 UTC 2026: ### India Eyes Untapped Potential in Marine and Space Biotechnology

The Story:
A recent article in The Hindu, published on January 15, 2026, highlights India’s strategic focus on developing marine and space biotechnology. The piece emphasizes the vast, underutilized potential of India’s extensive coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone for marine biomanufacturing, and the critical role of space biotechnology in advancing India’s space exploration ambitions. With comparisons to other nations, the article proposes that a dedicated roadmap is required to align investment, coordinate institutions, and channel resources more effectively to unlock the potential of these fields.

Key Points:

  • India’s long coastline (over 11,000 km) and vast Exclusive Economic Zone (over 2 million sq. km) offer access to rich marine biodiversity.
  • India’s marine biomass production remains modest (around 70,000 tonnes annually), leading to reliance on imports for seaweed-derived products.
  • Initiatives like the Blue Economy agenda, Deep Ocean Mission, and BioE3 are pushing for integrated marine biomanufacturing.
  • ISRO’s microgravity biology programme is conducting experiments on microbes and biological systems for space-related applications.
  • The article identifies the risk of slow and fragmented progress in research and development, and suggests a dedicated roadmap is needed.
  • Comparison is made to the European Union, China, the U.S., and Japan regarding their efforts in marine and space biotechnology.

Key Takeaways:

  • India recognizes the strategic importance of marine and space biotechnology for its bioeconomy and strategic autonomy.
  • Investing in these areas can unlock new resources, reduce pressure on land-based systems, and position India as a leader in next-generation biomanufacturing.
  • Increased private-sector participation and a well-defined roadmap are essential for accelerating progress in these fields.

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