India has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fourth-largest exporter of marine products in the world, up from eighth position in 2014–15. This leap reflects the country’s evolving aquaculture industry, enhanced infrastructure, and global competitiveness in seafood trade.
Decade of Remarkable Growth
The transformation has been driven by sustained efforts in aquaculture innovation, improvement in cold chain logistics, and adherence to stringent international quality standards. These developments have not only expanded India’s export capacity but also strengthened its reputation as a reliable supplier in the global seafood market.
India’s Marine Export Snapshot
| Indicator | FY 2014–15 | FY 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| Global Ranking | 8th | 4th |
| Export Volume | 10.51 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) | 16.85 LMT |
| Export Value | $5.4 billion | $7.2 billion |
| Countries Exported To | 105 | 130 |
| Export Growth Rate (CAGR) | — | 3.15% (vs global avg. 2.7%) |
Key Growth Drivers
- Advanced Aquaculture Practices: Adoption of modern fish and shrimp farming techniques.
- Cold Chain Infrastructure: Upgrades in freezing, storage, and transport systems.
- Compliance with Global Norms: Strong emphasis on food safety and hygiene to meet importing nations’ standards.
- Market Diversification: Indian marine exports now reach 130 countries, reducing dependence on a few markets and spreading risk.
- Rising Global Demand: Increasing international appetite for Indian seafood, both traditional and processed.
Diverse Marine Product Portfolio
India’s marine exports span a wide array of products catering to varied markets:
| Category | Products |
|---|---|
| Seafood Products | Fish (tuna, salmon, tilapia), shellfish (shrimp, prawns, crab), cephalopods (squid, octopus) |
| Processed Products | Canned, frozen seafood, ready-to-eat meals |
| Aquaculture Products | Farmed fish and shellfish, edible seaweed |
| Dried Marine Products | Dried fish, dried seaweed |
| By-products | Fish meal (animal feed), fish oil (nutrition & industry) |
| Marine Ingredients | Gelatin (food & pharma), chitin and chitosan (biotech, agriculture) |
Conclusion: India’s Blue Economy Rising
India’s rise to the fourth position in marine exports is a clear signal of its growing strength in the blue economy. With a compound annual growth rate that exceeds the global average, and a rapidly diversifying product and market base, India is poised to become a major seafood powerhouse in the coming decade.
Continued investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and value addition will be critical to sustaining this upward trajectory and tapping further into the global marine trade network.
Glottis Limited 
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