India’s Seafood Exports Cross ₹70,000 Crore in FY26

India’s fisheries sector continues to align with the vision of Viksit Bharat, with a strong emphasis on livelihood security and export growth. The Government of India has implemented targeted measures to modernise fisheries, strengthen value chains, and expand global market access.

These initiatives have focused on sustainability, compliance, and private sector participation. As a result, seafood exports recorded their highest-ever value in FY 2025–26.

Government Vision and Policy Direction

The fisheries sector has been positioned as a key contributor to national growth and rural livelihoods. The Prime Minister has reiterated the government’s focus on creating a vibrant fisheries ecosystem that improves the lives of fish farmers.

Guided by this vision, policies have prioritised aquaculture development, export readiness, and sustainable practices. These efforts aim to integrate livelihoods, trade, and environmental responsibility within the sector.

Export Promotion and Institutional Initiatives

Under the leadership of the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, the Department of Fisheries undertook several export-focused initiatives. A Round Table Conference on Seafood Exports was held with diplomats from 39 countries and organisations including ADB, FAO, AFD, JICA, and BOBP‑IGO.

Investors’ Meets in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep aimed to attract private investment, while the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026 in New Delhi focused on value addition and market expansion. Continuous engagement with exporters and State Governments supported export monitoring and diversification.

Regulatory Strengthening and Market Access

Market access expanded with the approval of 211 new export establishments across regions such as the EU, UK, China, Russia, and Brazil. Regulatory frameworks were strengthened through the United States’ Marine Mammal Protection Act comparability approval and mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Devices in shrimp trawls.

Additional measures included stricter controls on antibiotics and residues, the launch of the National Traceability Framework in 2025, and the notification of the EEZ Rules, 2025. These steps supported sustainable fishing practices and export compliance.

Export Performance and Market Trends

India’s seafood exports rose to ₹72,325.82 crore, equivalent to US$8.28 billion, with volumes reaching 19.32 lakh metric tonnes in FY 2025–26, based on provisional MPEDA data. Frozen shrimp led exports with earnings of ₹47,973.13 crore, accounting for over two‑thirds of total value, with 4.6% volume and 6.35% value growth.

The United States remained the largest market at US$2.32 billion, despite declines of 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value due to reciprocal tariffs. Growth in China, the EU, Southeast Asia, and Japan offset this decline, highlighting diversification.

Read More: India Allows Rice Exports to Parts of Europe Without Inspection Certificate for 6 Months.

Conclusion

India’s fisheries and seafood export performance in FY 2025–26 reflects sustained policy focus and sectoral coordination. Record export values were supported by shrimp-led growth, regulatory compliance, and expanding market reach.

Diversification across global markets reduced dependence on traditional destinations amid trade challenges. The sector’s progress underscores the role of fisheries in national growth, export earnings, and rural livelihoods.

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