India has become the 123rd signatory to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to boost seafood trade. The government aims to increase exports to over $10 billion in FY2026-27 by adopting a digital Product Passport system for better traceability. This move aligns with stricter global sustainability standards required by major markets like the US and EU.
India has officially ratified the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the 123rd member to join the pact as of July 20, 2026. This agreement, originally adopted in June 2022, is designed to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by limiting harmful subsidies that often support large-scale industrial fleets. By committing to these international standards, India aims to strengthen its reputation as a responsible global seafood supplier and improve its access to key international markets.
Scaling Exports and Digital Integration
Following this ratification, the Indian government has set an ambitious target to grow its seafood exports to more than $10 billion in the 2026-27 fiscal year. This represents a significant jump from the $7.5 billion in exports achieved during FY2025-26. To reach this goal, the government plans to launch a digital Product Passport system. This technology will act as a comprehensive tracking tool, recording the journey of seafood from the initial catch or farm harvest through to the final point of sale. By providing verifiable data on origin and handling, the system is intended to meet the rigorous quality and safety demands of major importers, including the European Union and the United States.
Supporting Local Fishers and Industry Growth
Historically, India has maintained that global overfishing is largely the result of massive subsidies provided by nations with distant-water fishing fleets, rather than the activities of smaller, artisanal fishing communities. By aligning with the WTO pact, India seeks to ensure a fairer global trade environment that protects the livelihoods of traditional fishers. Beyond the agreement, the government is also reviewing its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the fisheries sector. There is a potential move to lower investment requirements, which could allow more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in the value-added seafood industry.
Implementation and Future Monitoring
The success of this export strategy will depend heavily on the effective coordination between the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), state-level departments, and industry players. Investors and stakeholders should watch for updates on the rollout of the digital Product Passport system, as its technical implementation is critical to proving compliance with international sustainability laws. Additionally, the potential changes to the PLI scheme threshold will be a key factor to monitor, as they could influence capital spending and capacity expansion across the domestic seafood processing sector.