India Targets ₹1 Lakh Crore Seafood Surge: Ministers Chart Strategy to Unlock EEZ and High Seas Potential

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh chaired a crucial Seafood Exporters Meet 2026 in New Delhi, charting an aggressive strategy to expand global market reach. The high-level meeting focused on scaling up value-added seafood exports and unlocking the vast marine potential from India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas.

The forum brought together government bodies and industry leaders to address current challenges. Discussions centered on market access hurdles, pricing pressures, and necessary regulatory enhancements for the seafood sector.

Government Focus: Scaling Value Addition and Global Market Diversification​

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh praised the robust performance of India's seafood exports despite global uncertainties. He specifically highlighted that the growth trajectory has been significantly driven by strong showings in non-US markets.

The Minister emphasized the necessity of market and product diversification for sustained growth. He stressed unwavering adherence to strict regulatory compliance, including mandatory antibiotic bans and improved traceability systems.

A key focus area discussed was the operationalization of the EEZ Rules through Access Passes. The government aims to promote inclusive growth by prioritizing cooperative societies in this framework.

Tapping Marine Resources: Potential from EEZ and High Seas​

Union Minister Singh underscored the untapped export potential of high-value species, mentioning tuna originating from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the EEZ, and high seas. To maximize these resources, he called for improvements across the board.

These improvements must include better onboard handling techniques and robust cold-chain infrastructure. Enhancing packaging and focusing on value addition are critical to reducing post-harvest losses across the export ecosystem.

Exporters were strongly urged to adopt an open-market approach while working towards the ambitious ₹1 lakh crore export target. Support for this goal is assured from key institutions like EIC, NCDC, NABARD, and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Industry Challenges and Sectoral Support Needs​

Industry stakeholders identified several critical operational challenges affecting seafood exports. These included the need to streamline procedures for issuing Catch Certificates and facilitating permits for seaweed cultivation of Kappaphycus in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Concerns were also raised regarding the infrastructure gap, specifically pointing to limitations in the cold-chain network and value-added processing capacity. Furthermore, stakeholders highlighted the necessity of exploring and strengthening the export potential of inland fisheries and mariculture in the western coast.

Expertise Directives: Strengthening Compliance and Market Links​

Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying & Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian, affirmed that the government is positioning fisheries as a high-value, high-demand sector through concerted efforts. He reiterated that sustained export growth hinges on strict compliance, certification, and value-chain development.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, confirmed that a focused market diversification strategy has been formulated. This strategy involves diplomatic engagement with Ambassadors from nearly forty countries.

To complement market efforts, targeted product development is necessary, particularly focusing on ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and value-added seafood segments. The Department confirmed it will facilitate direct linkages between exporters and Indian Missions abroad.

Historical Growth Trajectory of Indian Seafood Exports​

India's seafood exports have demonstrated strong, sustained growth over the last eleven years. Marine product exports have more than doubled in this period.

The sector's export value rose from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to ₹62,408 crore in 2024-25. This substantial growth has been largely propelled by the robust performance of shrimp exports.

Currently, India's diverse seafood basket ships over 350 varieties of products to nearly 130 global markets. While the United States remains the largest destination, accounting for 36.42% of the 2024-25 export value, the government remains dedicated to deepening market presence through diversification.