India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, highlighted the growth of India’s Blue Economy, attributing it to the surge in seafood exports and global demand for Indian marine products. Fisherfolk in India are benefiting from expanded market access and export opportunities, with seafood exports hitting a record high in FY 2025-26. Goyal noted a significant 145% increase in seafood exports since FY 2013-14, showcasing the sector’s rapid expansion.
India’s seafood exports achieved an unprecedented high in volume and value during 2025-26, demonstrating the sector’s resilience amidst global trade uncertainties. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) reported that India exported 19.72 lakh metric tonnes of seafood valued at Rs 73,890 crore ($8.46 billion) during the fiscal year, marking a historic milestone for the industry. Despite various global challenges, including fluctuating demand and market instabilities, the sector excelled.
Frozen shrimp emerged as a dominant player in India’s seafood export portfolio, contributing significantly to total export earnings. Shrimp exports alone accounted for Rs 49,038 crore ($5.62 billion), representing 66.5% of the total foreign exchange earnings from seafood exports. The export volume of frozen shrimp surged to 7.93 lakh metric tonnes, with the United States, China, and the European Union ranking as the top buyers. Notably, the United States maintained its position as the largest seafood market for India, importing seafood worth $2.33 billion.
