India’s fisheries sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by key reforms under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. As a result, seafood exports have reached a record high despite global headwinds, he posted on X.
The minister addressed the ‘National Workshop on Seafood Exports’ in Visakhapatnam, and interacted with exporters and industry stakeholders of the fisheries sector. “Underscored the vast opportunities in India's fisheries sector for value addition, employment generation, and export growth.
Also, reiterated the Modi Government's commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector, expanding market access and ensuring greater prosperity for our fisherfolk,” said Goyal. “India is exporting a more diverse variety of fish. The PM Modi government is working with the singular mission to help our fisherfolk, farmers, and exporters expand to global markets,” he added.
Goyal also visited the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI. “Had the opportunity to plant a tree sapling during the visit, continuing the #EkPedMaaKeNaam plantation drive. Also learned about the Centre’s efforts towards advancing fisheries research and supporting the sustainable growth of India's fisheries sector,” the minister informed.
India's seafood exports touched an all-time high in both volume and value during 2025-26. According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 19.72 lakh metric tonnes of seafood during the fiscal year, valued at Rs 73,890 crore ($8.46 billion), the highest ever achieved by the sector.
Frozen shrimp continued to dominate India's seafood export basket, accounting for more than two-thirds of total export earnings. Shrimp exports generated Rs 49,038 crore ($5.62 billion), contributing 66.5 per cent of total foreign exchange earnings from seafood exports.
Export volumes of frozen shrimp rose to 7.93 lakh metric tonnes, with the United States remaining the largest buyer, followed by China and the European Union. The United States retained its position as India's largest seafood market by value, importing seafood worth $2.33 billion.