New Delhi, 20 January (H.S.): The central government will convene the high-level 'Fisheries Roundtable Summit 2026' on Wednesday, January 21, in New Delhi to elevate India's fisheries sector onto the global stage, as announced by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on Tuesday, January 20.Centred on marine food export promotion and strengthening international market linkages, the summit seeks not merely trade expansion but the creation of a sustainable, transparent ecosystem.

India, currently the world's second-largest fish producer and sixth-largest seafood exporter, shipped 1.698 million metric tonnes valued at ₹62,408 crore in 2024-25—accounting for nearly 18 percent of total agri-exports.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh will chair proceedings, joined by Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian, MoS for Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and senior officials from external affairs, fisheries, MPEDA, Export Inspection Council, commerce, DGFT, food processing, plus international bodies like FAO, AFD, GIZ, BOBP, ADB, and IFAD.

Ambassadors and high commissioners from 83 partner nations across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and Oceania will also participate.Key deliberations encompass market diversification, technological innovation, regulatory collaboration, investment, infrastructure, and fortifying seafood value chains against climate and market risks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar