Government to Host Meeting of 80+ Envoys to Promote India’s Seafood Exports

New Delhi, Jan 20: In a strategic push to expand India’s seafood exports, the government will host a Round Table Conference on Wednesday with envoys from over 80 countries. The event, organised by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, aims to strengthen bilateral trade and international market linkages in the seafood sector.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lalan will chair the conference, which will be attended by senior government officials and other ministers. The meet will serve as a platform for structured dialogue on trade promotion, market access, regulatory cooperation, and emerging opportunities in the seafood industry.

India is the world’s second largest aquaculture producer and a leading exporter of fish and aquatic products. In 2024–25, seafood exports reached 16.98 lakh metric tonnes, valued at Rs 62,408 crore (USD 7.45 billion), contributing nearly 18% to India’s total agricultural exports. Supported by targeted schemes and robust policies, the sector has evolved from subsistence activity to a commercially robust, export oriented ecosystem, supporting millions of small, marginal, and artisanal fishers.

The conference will focus on promoting sustainable, traceable, and value-added seafood trade. Discussions will explore investment opportunities, joint ventures, technology transfer, capacity building, and enhancing the resilience of seafood value chains against climate and market risks.

This high-level engagement underscores India’s commitment to deepening international partnerships and positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable seafood production and export.