From coast to plate: India’s seafood story is having a record year

If you’ve noticed more shrimp on menus or a growing love for seafood across dining tables, there’s a larger story behind it—India’s seafood sector is quietly having a landmark year.In 2025–26, India exported a record volume of seafood, crossing ₹73,890 crore in value. But beyond the numbers, this growth reflects a vast network of coastal communities, fishers, processors, and exporters whose work travels from Indian shores to plates across the world.At the heart of this surge is shrimp, particularly frozen shrimp, which continues to dominate global demand. From bustling restaurant kitchens in the United States to food markets in China, Indian shrimp remains a staple, making up the bulk of export earnings. Popular varieties such as vannamei and black tiger shrimp have seen steady growth, reinforcing India’s position in international seafood trade.In Kolkata, where seafood is already deeply embedded in everyday meals, people are noticing subtle shifts too. “We’ve always eaten fish at home, but now even shrimp feels more regular than occasional,” says Sreetama Banerjee, a school teacher in South Kolkata. “Earlier it was more of a treat, now it’s something we cook more often.”But shrimp isn’t the whole story. A wide range of products, from frozen fish and squid to dried seafood, are finding increasing acceptance abroad. In fact, dried seafood has seen a sharp rise in demand, pointing to changing tastes and a growing curiosity for diverse textures and flavours.This curiosity is visible in urban kitchens as well. “I tried cooking squid for the first time last year after seeing it online,” says Arijit Ghosh, a 29-year-old IT professional in Salt Lake. “Now it’s something I make when friends come over—it feels new but also familiar.”What’s also striking is how far Indian seafood travels. While the United States continues to be a key destination in value terms, countries across Asia and Europe are importing large quantities, reflecting a global appetite for seafood sourced from India’s coasts.Back home, this translates into more than just export figures. Ports like Visakhapatnam, Mumbai’s JNPT, and Kochi are buzzing hubs in this journey, connecting fishing harbours to international markets. For many coastal regions, this trade supports livelihoods and sustains generations of fishing communities.Even consumers are beginning to connect these dots. “You don’t always think about where your food is going,” says Moumita Chatterjee, a home baker based in North Kolkata. “But it’s interesting to realise that what we eat here is also being enjoyed across the world.”Even as some markets show fluctuations, the overall momentum signals a steady rise in India’s seafood footprint globally. For consumers, it means greater visibility of Indian-origin seafood worldwide. For those closer to the source, it’s a reminder of how deeply food, economy, and everyday life are intertwined.In many ways, this record year isn’t just about exports—, it’s about how a country’s coastal identity continues to shape what the world eats.