SYNOPSIS: India’s WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement entry may strengthen seafood exports by improving sustainability and global market access. As India targets $10 billion seafood exports, companies like Apex Frozen Foods, Avanti Feeds, Coastal Corporation, Zeal Aqua, and Waterbase could benefit from rising shrimp demand and export opportunities.
India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its position in the global seafood market by becoming the 123rd member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to accept the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS). The government believes that joining the agreement will improve India’s credibility as a responsible seafood exporter and help expand access to international markets.
On July 20, 2026, India formally submitted its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in Geneva. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal handed over the document to the WTO Director-General, marking India’s official entry into the global agreement aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries and reducing harmful fishing practices.
Protecting Small-Scale Fishers and Promoting Fair Trade
The Indian government has highlighted that the agreement will support sustainable fishing methods while protecting the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities. India has consistently maintained that the main cause of overcapacity and overfishing is not small-scale fishermen in developing nations but heavily subsidised industrial fishing fleets operated by distant-water fishing countries.
India’s fisheries sector is largely based on artisanal and small-scale operations, and the government believes the new agreement will create a more balanced international fisheries system by placing stronger restrictions on subsidies that encourage unsustainable industrial fishing.
Improving Seafood Export Opportunities
With global markets increasingly focusing on sustainability, transparency and traceability, India expects the agreement to strengthen its position as a trusted seafood supplier. The country’s seafood exports, which are mainly driven by aquaculture-based shrimp, are expected to remain competitive as shrimp farming does not fall under the agreement’s restrictions.
India recorded seafood exports worth around $7.5 billion in the financial year 2025-26 and has set an ambitious target of crossing $10 billion in exports during 2026-27. To achieve this goal, the government is developing a Product Passport system to provide complete digital traceability of seafood products.
Digital Traceability to Strengthen Export Standards
The proposed Product Passport framework will create a digital record tracking seafood products from their source to the final consumer. It will help verify whether fish and shrimp were legally caught or responsibly farmed.
Under this system, fishing vessels will maintain digital records through transponder-based applications, while export documentation will include important details such as vessel registration, farm registration, location data, production capacity, and processing information.
The initiative is particularly important as major markets like the United States and the European Union are introducing stricter rules requiring seafood imports to meet sustainability, food safety and origin-tracking standards.
Strengthening Fisheries Infrastructure
The government is focusing on improving coordination between the Centre, state fisheries departments, MPEDA and other stakeholders to successfully implement the new seafood sustainability framework. It is also considering reducing investment limits under the fisheries PLI scheme to encourage greater participation from MSMEs while promoting fishmeal exports and preventing juvenile fishing. Here’s the list of stocks likely to benefit from this:
Apex Frozen Foods Ltd
Apex Frozen Foods Ltd is an Indian seafood processing and export company specializing in shrimp products. Founded in 1995, it processes and exports ready-to-cook and value-added shrimp to international markets including the USA, Europe, and Asia. The company focuses on quality standards, sustainable aquaculture practices, and global seafood supply chains.
Avanti Feeds Ltd
Avanti Feeds Ltd is one of India’s leading shrimp feed manufacturers and seafood processors. Established in 1993, the company produces high-quality aquaculture feed and processes frozen shrimp for export. It has a strong presence in India’s shrimp farming industry and serves domestic farmers while exporting seafood products to various international markets.
Coastal Corporation Ltd
Coastal Corporation Ltd is an Indian seafood processing and exporting company engaged mainly in shrimp processing. Established in 1981, it exports frozen shrimp products to global markets such as the USA, Europe, and Japan. The company operates processing facilities and focuses on maintaining quality, food safety, and international export standards.
Zeal Aqua Ltd
Zeal Aqua Ltd is an Indian aquaculture company involved in shrimp farming, processing, and export activities. Founded in 2009, it operates shrimp farms and supplies quality seafood products to domestic and international markets. The company emphasizes modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and efficient production systems to support the growing seafood industry.
Waterbase Ltd
Waterbase Ltd is an Indian aquaculture company engaged in shrimp farming, hatchery operations, and seafood exports. Established in 1993, it provides quality shrimp products and supports farmers through advanced aquaculture solutions. The company focuses on sustainable shrimp cultivation, biosecurity measures, and serving international seafood markets with high-quality products.
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