India Reaffirms Commitment to Conservation of Whales and Other Cetaceans at IWC-70 in Hobart, Australia

India reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of whales and other cetaceans at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) in Hobart, Australia. India highlighted the necessity of science-based conservation, international cooperation, and practical measures involving governments, researchers, and local communities. The source notes that India has been a member of the IWC since 1981. Domestically, cetacean species in Indian waters receive the highest level of legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, alongside the notification of Marine Protected Areas and the implementation of Project Dolphin, which adopts a holistic approach toward conserving aquatic ecosystems and species such as the Arabian Sea humpback whale.