India&rsquo;s seafood exports rose sharply by 17.81% in April 2025 to reach $0.58 billion, underscoring the country's strong position as the world&rsquo;s fourth-largest producer of marine products, according to data from the Commerce and Industry Ministry.
During the financial year ending March 31, 2025, India exported 16.85 lakh metric tonnes of marine products &mdash; marking a remarkable increase of over 60%. In value terms, exports surged to $7.2 billion, up from $5.4 billion in FY15.
This upward trend continues into FY 2025-26 despite uncertainties such as potential tariff hikes from the United States, India&rsquo;s largest seafood export destination. However, the two nations are nearing the conclusion of a bilateral trade agreement to enhance mutual trade flows.
India now exports seafood to 130 countries, up from 105 in 2014-15 &mdash; a testament to the growing global footprint of its marine industry. Frozen shrimp remains the top export, accounting for more than 40% of total volume and 66.12% of export value, with the US and China as leading importers.
India&rsquo;s competitive edge in seafood exports is bolstered by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which supports end-to-end development across the fisheries value chain. This includes boosting quality fish production, expanding and diversifying brackish water aquaculture, and promoting export-oriented species.
The scheme also emphasizes technology adoption, disease management, traceability, skill development, and the creation of modern post-harvest infrastructure including cold chains, fishing harbours, and landing centres &mdash; all contributing significantly to the rise in seafood output and exports.
A senior official noted that the Centre has set an ambitious target of achieving $18 billion (Rs 1.57 lakh crore) in seafood export turnover by 2030. This goal is outlined in the Vision Document 2030, prepared by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
MPEDA plays a central role in regulating and promoting seafood exports, while the Department of Fisheries is steering the PMMSY scheme with an outlay of Rs 20,050 crore from FY 2020-21 to 2024-25, covering all states and union territories &mdash; a major driver of recent export performance.

Driven by robust demand for frozen shrimp and support from PMMSY, India expands seafood exports to 130 countries amid global trade uncertainties

India’s Seafood Exports Soar 17.8% in April, Targeting $18 Billion by 2030

Driven by robust demand for frozen shrimp and support from PMMSY, India expands seafood exports to 130 countries amid global trade uncertainties

May 18, 2025 | 18:46 IST