New Delhi
India’s seafood and wine industries have experienced remarkable growth, with seafood exports reaching $7.3 billion in value and 17.81 lakh metric tonnes in volume, Govt said on Saturday.
At an event in Brussels hosted by the Indian Embassy, Indian seafood and wines were showcased to business leaders, trade bodies, and diplomats. Organized with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the event highlighted India’s expanding trade ties with the European Union (EU).
Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU, emphasized the role of such events in strengthening cultural and economic relationships. Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, discussed India’s dynamic trade partnerships, particularly in the seafood and wine sectors.
Guests at the event enjoyed premium Indian seafood like Vannamei shrimp, Black Tiger shrimp, Kingfish, Tilapia, and Squid, paired with Indian wines. Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and crisp whites like Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, showcased India’s growing reputation for quality wine production.
In 2023-24, India’s total exports reached $433.09 billion, with agricultural exports contributing $33.24 billion. Marine exports, accounting for $7.36 billion, represented 22% of agricultural exports and were shipped to 132 countries.
India’s seafood industry has grown rapidly, with exports of Vannamei shrimp quadrupling. The EU is India’s second-largest seafood market, purchasing $0.95 billion annually. India is also the EU’s second-largest shrimp supplier, holding an 8% market share, and contributes 12% of the EU’s squid imports.
