New Delhi: In what the European Union (EU) described as a “first-of-its-kind initiative,” the European body held a Blue Economy Conclave with Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this week, aiming to deepen EU-India cooperation in sustainable ocean investments, maritime activities, climate action, skills, and innovation. The event was co-hosted by the Government of India, the Government of Kerala, and the EU, the European body said on Tuesday. According to the EU, the conclave served as a collaborative platform to explore opportunities in climate-resilient coastal development, shipping and port logistics, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, renewable energy, circular economy models, and wellness tourism. EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin added, “Kerala presents many opportunities for European stakeholders, from maritime industries and coastal resilience to skills and tourism. This conclave is more than an event; it is the beginning of long-term collaboration between Europe and India.