India Unveils Strategy to Transform Seafood Sector into Global Export Powerhouse

Officials said the discussions focused on aligning seafood export promotion activities with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and related fisheries development programmes.

India is preparing a major expansion of its seafood export ecosystem as the Union Government unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming the country into one of the world's leading seafood export hubs through infrastructure upgrades, value addition, MSME support, and sustainable fisheries development.

The strategy was discussed during a high-level joint meeting between Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, where both ministries outlined a coordinated national plan to strengthen India's global seafood competitiveness.

The meeting brought together senior officials from:

• Department of Commerce

• Department of Fisheries

• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

• Export Inspection Council (EIC)

Officials said the discussions focused on aligning seafood export promotion activities with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and related fisheries development programmes.

Government Targets Massive Expansion of Seafood Export Ecosystem

The two ministries reaffirmed their commitment to significantly expanding India's seafood export capacity through a coordinated strategy focused on:

• Value addition

• Infrastructure development

• Product diversification

• Quality assurance

• Market expansion

• Deep-sea fishing

• Technology adoption

• Sustainable fisheries

The Government's broader objective is to increase export earnings while improving livelihoods for fishers, farmers, coastal communities, startups, and MSMEs involved in the fisheries value chain.

Major "Chintan Shivir" Planned in Visakhapatnam

As part of the initiative, the Government will organise a two-day national "Chintan Shivir" in Visakhapatnam on 5–6 June 2026 to formulate detailed implementation strategies for the sector.

The event will involve:

• Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)

• MPEDA

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

• Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA)

• State fisheries departments

• Seafood exporters

• Startups

• Fishers

• Aquaculture farmers

• Industry stakeholders

Officials say the consultations aim to build a collaborative roadmap for strengthening India's seafood export ecosystem from production to international marketing.

Dedicated PLI Scheme Proposed for Seafood MSMEs

One of the most significant announcements emerging from the meeting was the proposal to explore a dedicated Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for MSMEs operating in the seafood sector.

The Department of Fisheries will examine frameworks aimed at:

• Improving global competitiveness

• Supporting technology adoption

• Encouraging value-added processing

• Promoting research and development

• Strengthening export infrastructure

The initiative is expected to help smaller seafood businesses scale operations and integrate into global value chains more effectively.

Industry experts say a dedicated seafood-focused PLI scheme could become a major catalyst for:

• Processing capacity expansion

• Export diversification

• Employment generation

• Technological modernisation

India Plans to Quadruple Number of Seafood Exporters

The proposed export framework aims to dramatically expand India's seafood export base.

Government targets include:

• Increasing the number of seafood exporters from around 1,200 currently to 5,000 in coming years

• Expanding the share of value-added seafood products in total exports

• Improving export realisation and profitability

Officials believe stronger value addition and diversification could help India move beyond bulk commodity exports into higher-margin global seafood markets.

Special Focus on Tuna Sector in Island Territories

A major priority identified during the meeting was the development of India's tuna industry, particularly in:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Lakshadweep

The Government plans focused interventions to strengthen:

• Sustainable tuna harvesting

• Processing infrastructure

• Branding

• Export promotion

• Marine product diversification

Industry observers say India's island territories possess significant untapped potential for premium tuna exports due to their strategic location and marine biodiversity.

International Market Expansion Strategy

The Department of Fisheries and MPEDA will jointly organise international trade and business delegations to major global markets as part of efforts to:

• Expand export access

• Strengthen trade partnerships

• Promote Indian seafood internationally

Officials said the outreach will help position India more strongly in global seafood trade while improving visibility for Indian seafood products.

Infrastructure and Export Gap Assessment Planned

MPEDA and the National Fisheries Development Board will undertake a comprehensive nationwide assessment of:

• Export potential

• Infrastructure gaps

• Logistics requirements

• Processing capabilities

The exercise will cover both coastal and inland regions to ensure wider participation in the seafood export economy.

The Government aims to expand seafood export opportunities beyond traditional coastal production centres.

Stronger Food Safety and Traceability Systems Planned

The meeting also stressed the need for an integrated strategy to address:

• Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements

• International food safety compliance

• Disease control

• Traceability systems

Officials said efforts will focus on strengthening:

• Quality assurance systems

• Disease-free aquaculture zones

• Export certification

• Primary production monitoring

The Government also plans to upgrade laboratory infrastructure across states and union territories to improve:

• Testing capabilities

• Certification systems

• Export compliance standards

Special focus will be placed on strengthening facilities in:

• Lakshadweep

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands

GI Tagging for Seafood Products Under Consideration

The ministries also discussed exploring Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for specific seafood species and products.

GI recognition could help:

• Improve product branding

• Enhance export value

• Protect regional seafood identities

• Strengthen premium market positioning

Marine Plastic Waste Recycling Programme to Expand

The ministers also appreciated MPEDA's pilot initiative for collection and recycling of marine plastic waste in collaboration with fishers.

The programme is now expected to be scaled up across all coastal states and union territories to support:

• Marine conservation

• Sustainable fisheries

• Coastal environmental protection

Blue Economy and Employment Growth Central to Strategy

Officials said the overall strategy reflects the Government's broader vision of building India's blue economy through sustainable marine resource development.

The initiatives are expected to contribute to:

• Employment generation

• Higher fisher incomes

• Coastal economic development

• MSME growth

• Startup participation

• Inclusive regional development

Analysts say India is increasingly positioning seafood exports as a strategic economic sector capable of boosting foreign exchange earnings, strengthening food processing industries, and expanding rural and coastal livelihoods.

With rising global demand for seafood and processed marine products, experts believe India has significant opportunities to strengthen its position in global seafood supply chains through improved infrastructure, sustainability standards, and value-added exports.