India’s marine trade sector is a critical pillar of the Blue Economy, contributing significantly to GDP and livelihoods while leveraging its extensive coastline and rich biodiversity. Despite strong export performance in shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, and emerging niches such as ornamental fish, the sector remains constrained by fragmented supply chains, weak pre-processing infrastructure, and limited institutional capacity. This paper examines the institutional and organisational dynamics shaping India’s marine trade, analysing the roles of formal institutions, informal practices, and collective-choice organisations in influencing competitiveness and sustainability.
The study highlights systemic challenges, including deep-rooted institutional inertia, weak inter-ministerial coordination, and the absence of integrated coastal management frameworks. At the same time, opportunities exist in certification, traceability, processed seafood exports, inland waterway transport, and WTO engagement. Case studies of ornamental fish and the salt sector illustrate both niche potential and welfare concerns.
Findings underscore the urgent need for a cross-sectoral governance mechanism linking commerce, fisheries, transport, and environment. Policy recommendations include establishing a Ministry of Marine Governance, strengthening certification and traceability systems, investing in logistics and pre-processing infrastructure, building trade-law expertise, promoting niche markets, and integrating welfare with productivity enhancement. Together, these measures would position India as a competitive and sustainable player in global marine trade, advancing its Blue Economy vision.
The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the affiliated research institutions.