India's seafood and wine exports surge, strengthening trade ties with the EU

India's thriving seafood and wine industries have made impressive strides, with seafood exports reaching a staggering $7.3 billion in value and 17.81 lakh metric tonnes in volume, according to government reports.

At a high-profile event hosted by the Embassy of India in Brussels, Indian culinary excellence was celebrated with a focus on premium seafood and wines. The event was organized in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), as announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Saurabh Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union (EU), emphasized the importance of the event in fostering both cultural and trade partnerships. Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, underlined India’s robust trade relations with the EU, particularly in the seafood and wine sectors, which continue to expand.

Guests at the event were treated to a curated menu featuring premium Indian seafood varieties, including Vannamei shrimp, Black Tiger shrimp, Kingfish (Surmai), Tilapia, and Squid. These delicacies were paired with wines from Indian vineyards, showcasing the country's growing reputation in winemaking. The featured wines included bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Sangiovese, as well as crisp whites such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier, highlighting the fusion of global winemaking expertise with India’s indigenous traditions.

India's overall exports reached $433.09 billion in 2023-2024, with agricultural commodities contributing $33.24 billion (8% of total exports). Marine exports, which account for $7.36 billion, represent 22% of agricultural exports and are distributed across 132 countries. The Vannamei shrimp has emerged as a flagship export, with its shipments quadrupling, solidifying India’s reputation for high-quality seafood.

The European Union remains India’s second-largest seafood market, with annual imports valued at $0.95 billion. India also ranks as the EU's second-largest shrimp supplier, commanding an 8% market share, and contributes 12% of the EU's squid imports. With over 500 EU-approved processing firms, India continues to expand its seafood production capacity, reinforcing its global market presence.

India’s seafood and wine industries are not just economic powerhouses but also cultural ambassadors, reflecting the country's rich traditions and innovative practices. The event in Brussels marks a significant step in deepening India’s trade ties with the European Union while showcasing the global potential of its culinary and agricultural sectors.