Latest Principal Information Bureau Updates (June 9, 2025)

India Emphasizes Climate Resilience, Ocean Health, and Food Safety

India has taken a leading role in promoting infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks, launching the global coalition CDRI (Climate Disaster Resilient Infrastructure). This initiative was highlighted at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, aimed at driving discussions on climate adaptation, coastal resilience, and sustainable development.

At the same conference, the Government of India (GoI) outlined five global priorities to enhance disaster resilience. The health of oceans was identified as a shared global responsibility, with platforms like the Monaco Marine Conference offering critical momentum for global ocean resilience. India reaffirmed that data-informed, science-driven policies are at the core of its marine governance strategy.

India's ambition is to scale Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) across its entire coastline, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable ocean development. The India-Norway MSP collaboration under the Indo-Norwegian Integrated Ocean and Research Initiative has already delivered results through pilot projects in Puducherry and Lakshadweep. The strategic importance of India-Norway bilateral cooperation on maritime sustainability was underscored by the presence of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon at the event.

India has also extended best wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference, aligning with the shared goal of building coastal resilience with the theme "Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions." Recognizing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as Large Ocean Countries calls for special attention to their unique vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, India emphasized the need for continuous innovation and nationwide food safety prioritisation in policy, education, and research to ensure a healthier food ecosystem. The objective of World Food Safety Day 2025 was to raise awareness about food safety, promote innovation, education, and grassroots participation in ensuring safe food practices, and reaffirm national commitment toward a safer, healthier food ecosystem.

The celebration was organized by NIFTEM-K (National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management – Kundli), with involvement and support from relevant food safety and industry bodies. The key highlights included innovative, health-centric food formulations, integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, 3D printing, and smart packaging into food R&D, and emphasis on sustainability in food processing.

Over 100 street food vendors and small food operators from Delhi-NCR and Sonipat were trained in hygienic practices and safe food handling procedures. Live demonstrations of rapid adulteration testing kits for milk, spices, and tea were showcased during the event. A national webinar highlighted the threat of a possible silent, foodborne epidemic, stressing the need for proactive scientific and policy-based responses.

India has established a tsunami warning system that currently benefits 29 countries. Strengthening early warning systems and inter-agency coordination was emphasized as a key requirement for effective disaster preparedness and response. India proposed creating a global digital repository of best practices and learnings from disaster-affected regions to guide future resilience strategies.

Public health messages like "Thoda Kam" and "Eat Right" were promoted to encourage healthy eating and reinforce the responsibility of food vendors in public nutrition. Certified FoSTaC resource persons facilitated interactive sessions, strengthening capacity building and awareness among grassroots food handlers.

In conclusion, India's commitment to improving food safety standards, promoting ocean health, and enhancing disaster resilience is evident in its various initiatives and collaborations. These efforts underscore a nationwide focus on health, sustainability, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on education, research, and grassroots participation.

Science-driven policies, such as those in marine governance, are central to India's strategy for promoting ocean health.
The Indian government is focusing on continuous innovation and prioritization of food safety in policy, education, and research.
India is advocating for a stronger role in environmental-science, particularly in climate resilience and ocean health, on a global scale.
Discussions on climate adaptation, coastal resilience, and sustainable development play a significant role in Indian political strategy.
The health and wellness of citizens, particularly as it relates to food safety, is a key concern in India's lifestyle and general-news discourse.
India's collaboration with other countries, like Norway, on projects such as Marine Spatial Planning showcases its commitment to science in driving sustainable food-and-drink and environment-related policies.