India has emerged as a major global player in fisheries and aquaculture, backed by strong policy support, expanding processing capacity and improved logistics, with the value of seafood exports having doubled over the past decade, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh said on Wednesday. Addressing an international conference in New Delhi, the minister highlighted India’s growing footprint in global seafood markets and its focus on sustainable, export-oriented growth.
The minister said India is strengthening compliance and transparency in the sector through a series of recent policy measures, including the National Framework on Traceability notified in 2025, the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules of 2025 and updated High Sea Fishing Guidelines issued the same year. These measures, he said, are aimed at reinforcing responsible fishing practices while supporting long-term growth, particularly in island regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Singh emphasised that these initiatives are aligned with India’s broader strategy to balance economic expansion with sustainability and marine conservation. He noted that policy clarity and regulatory reforms are helping position India as a reliable and responsible player in international seafood trade, while also enhancing traceability and accountability across the value chain.
The conference saw participation from diplomats representing 40 countries, including ambassadors, high commissioners and senior mission officials, underlining the expanding scope of India’s international engagement in the fisheries and seafood sector. The event highlighted the growing strength of India’s partnerships with global stakeholders in areas linked to fisheries development, technology exchange and trade.
Singh pointed to wide-ranging opportunities for cooperation in advanced aquaculture and mariculture technologies, seafood processing, cold-chain infrastructure, vessel design and digital monitoring systems. He also highlighted the scope for collaboration in joint research and development, technology transfer, climate resilience, sustainable fisheries management, trade expansion and private-sector partnerships.
Climate change and ocean health featured prominently in discussions, alongside themes such as sustainability, responsible fisheries, green innovation, capacity building and supply-chain development. Emerging areas including ornamental fisheries and seaweed cultivation were also identified as key pillars for future collaboration, reflecting the sector’s diversification beyond traditional capture fisheries.
Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj S.P. Singh Baghel said seafood remains a vital source of nutrition and plays a critical role in global food security. He underlined that the sector generates large-scale employment and contributes significantly to national economies. According to him, the Department of Fisheries is adopting a comprehensive value-chain approach, spanning production, processing and exports, to ensure sustainable development of the sector.
Another Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs George Kurian highlighted India’s rapid growth in aquaculture, citing strong production gains in recent years. He said the department is aiming to raise seafood exports to Rs 1 lakh crore, reflecting the government’s ambition to further expand India’s presence in global markets.
Kurian noted that seafood export values have increased by 21 per cent over the past seven months, indicating robust momentum in the sector. He said the growth reflects improvements in production capacity, market access and policy support, even as global supply chains face multiple challenges.
Officials said the discussions at the conference reflected a shared emphasis on sustainability, innovation and international cooperation as key drivers for the future of fisheries and aquaculture. With policy reforms, rising exports and expanding global partnerships, India is seeking to consolidate its position as a significant contributor to the global seafood economy while aligning growth with environmental responsibility.
