India’s seafood export sector has emerged as a significant contributor to the national economy, registering exports worth USD 7.5 billion in FY 2022-23, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% over the last five years (MPEDA Annual Report 2023). Governed primarily by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Act, 1972, the sector benefits from India’s vast marine resources and a large coastal workforce exceeding 14 million people (Ministry of Fisheries, 2023). The export basket is dominated by shrimp, accounting for 55% of the total export value, with key markets including the European Union (EU) and the United States, which together absorb 60% of India’s seafood exports (MPEDA 2023). Despite this growth, India faces structural and regulatory challenges that constrain its ability to compete with leading exporters such as Vietnam and Norway.

Legal and Institutional Framework Governing Seafood Exports

The MPEDA Act, 1972 provides the statutory basis for promoting marine products exports, including quality control and export facilitation. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI) regulates seafood safety under Sections 18 and 19, enforcing compliance with international standards. Export policies are framed under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, with the Centre exercising legislative authority over foreign trade under Articles 246 and 254 of the Constitution. India’s seafood exports must also comply with the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which mandates adherence to scientific standards to prevent trade barriers.

• MPEDA: Oversees export promotion, quality assurance, and infrastructure support.
• FSSAI: Enforces food safety and hygiene standards critical for market access.
• Department of Fisheries (DoF): Coordinates policy implementation and sectoral development.
• APEDA: Facilitates export promotion for processed foods including seafood.
• FAO: Provides global standards and data benchmarking.

Economic Performance and Sectoral Dynamics

India ranks second globally in aquaculture production after China (FAO 2022), reflecting the sector’s resource endowment and production capacity. Employment in fisheries exceeds 14 million, mostly in coastal areas, underscoring its socio-economic importance (Ministry of Fisheries, 2023). The government’s allocation of INR 1,200 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for 2020-25 aims to upgrade infrastructure, enhance productivity, and improve value chains. Shrimp exports dominate, contributing 55% of export value, targeting premium markets in the EU and USA, which impose stringent quality and sustainability standards.

• Seafood export value: USD 7.5 billion (FY 2022-23).
• Export CAGR: 9.5% over five years.
• Employment: 14 million in fisheries sector.
• Government investment under PMMSY: INR 1,200 crore (2020-25).
• Key export markets: EU and USA (60% of volume).

Comparative Analysis: India vs Vietnam in Seafood Export Competitiveness

Structural Challenges Limiting India’s Global Competitiveness

India’s seafood export sector faces critical bottlenecks in cold chain logistics and processing infrastructure, resulting in post-harvest losses estimated at 20-25%. This inefficiency reduces the quality and shelf life of exports, limiting access to premium markets. Moreover, inconsistent implementation of international quality and sustainability certifications, such as those required by the EU and US, restricts India’s participation in high-value segments. Fragmented supply chains and inadequate traceability systems further undermine competitiveness.

• Post-harvest losses: 20-25% due to poor cold chain and processing facilities.
• Inadequate traceability and certification compliance.
• Limited value addition and processing capacity.
• Regulatory overlap and coordination challenges among institutions.

Way Forward: Enhancing India’s Seafood Export Competitiveness

• Expand and modernize cold chain infrastructure through targeted investment under PMMSY and public-private partnerships.
• Strengthen institutional coordination between MPEDA, FSSAI, and DoF for streamlined quality compliance and certification enforcement.
• Promote value addition by incentivizing seafood processing units and technology adoption to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Implement comprehensive traceability systems aligned with international standards to gain premium market access.
• Enhance skill development and capacity building among fisherfolk and supply chain actors to improve product quality and sustainability practices.