India’s Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, highlighted the significant progress in the country’s fisheries sector, attributing it to key reforms initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Despite global challenges, seafood exports from India have surged to an all-time high. Goyal emphasized the immense potential in the fisheries industry for value addition, job creation, and export expansion during the ‘National Workshop on Seafood Exports’ in Visakhapatnam.
Goyal reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing the fisheries sector, broadening market reach, and ensuring the welfare of fishermen. He mentioned that India is diversifying its fish exports and striving to facilitate global market access for fishermen, farmers, and exporters. The Minister also visited the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, where he participated in a tree plantation drive and learned about the center’s efforts in fisheries research and sustainable sector growth.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, India witnessed a historic milestone in seafood exports, with 19.72 lakh metric tonnes valued at Rs 73,890 crore ($8.46 billion), the highest ever achieved. Frozen shrimp remained the primary export commodity, accounting for over two-thirds of total earnings, with exports worth Rs 49,038 crore ($5.62 billion). The United States, China, and the European Union were the top importers, with the US leading in both volume and value, importing seafood worth $2.33 billion.
