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India is preparing to reposition its seafood industry for the next phase of global competition, with policymakers targeting higher-value exports, deeper market penetration and stronger compliance standards as the sector scales up from its current growth trajectory.
Backed by government investments of about ₹39,272 crore (roughly $4.7 billion) since 2015, the fisheries sector is expected to play an even larger role in export earnings and rural livelihoods over the coming years. Officials estimate that the industry, which already supports nearly 30 million fishers and farmers, will continue expanding at a steady pace as production capacity and infrastructure improve.
Fish output, which rose from 141.64 lakh tons in 2019–20 to 197.75 lakh tons in 2024–25, is projected to maintain a healthy growth curve, underpinned by aquaculture expansion and diversification into high-value species. India already contributes about 8% of global fish production and is the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer—a position it now aims to leverage for premium market access.
Exports are set to remain a key driver. India’s seafood shipments, valued at ₹62,408 crore (around $7.5 billion) in 2024–25, are expected to shift gradually from volume-led growth to value-led expansion. Shrimp, which currently accounts for ₹43,334 crore (about $5.2 billion), will remain central, but policymakers are pushing to widen the export basket.
Through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the government is investing in hatcheries, disease management, cold-chain logistics and traceability systems, while actively promoting species such as tuna, seabass, cobia, pompano and seaweed. The goal is to reduce dependence on a handful of products and capture greater value in global markets.
A major thrust in the coming years will be increasing the share of value-added seafood products, which has already risen from 2.5% to 11%, or roughly $742 million. With new processing facilities and a more skilled workforce, officials expect this segment to expand significantly, helping improve margins and resilience against price fluctuations.
Market diversification is also high on the agenda. While the United States—currently accounting for over a third of exports—will remain critical, India is looking to scale shipments to the UK, European Union, ASEAN and West Asia, alongside strengthening its presence in emerging markets.
Compliance and sustainability are set to define the next phase of growth. After securing continued access to the U.S. market under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 2025, India is expected to deepen its alignment with global environmental and traceability standards. This includes wider deployment of Turtle Excluder Devices, stricter monitoring of fishing practices and expansion of digital tracking systems across the supply chain.
Ease of doing business reforms are likely to further accelerate investment. The digitization of the Sanitary Import Permit system—cutting approval times to 72 hours—along with relaxed compliance norms for select imports and re-exports, is expected to streamline trade operations and attract more private participation.
Over the next five years, officials envision a more diversified, technology-driven and globally compliant seafood sector—one that moves beyond scale to command premium positioning in international markets, while sustaining livelihoods at home.
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