Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Minister Highlights Rising Fish Exports, New Markets Despite US Tariffs
Rajiv Ranjan Singh said India is producing and exporting much more fish than before.
Fish production more than doubled between 2013-14 and 2024-25.
Fish exports also increased, even after the United States placed a tariff of more than 58% on Indian goods.
India sold more fish to places such as the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Thailand and the European Union.
The government is trying to make fishing safer by using satellite-connected transponders on boats.
These devices can warn fishermen about storms and help them find fish.
Singh also said India is vaccinating animals to reduce diseases that limit dairy exports.
On student protests, he said genuine concerns about exam transparency should be addressed but alleged that some people tried to make protests violent.
He also defended the government’s position on Bihar politics and said some major local-government and animal-care issues are handled by states.
India’s fish production rose 115% to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
Fish exports increased from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25.
The minister said 2025-26 exports reached Rs 73,890 crore despite a US tariff exceeding 58%.
New or expanding markets include the UK, Japan, China, Thailand and several European Union countries.
The minister defended government responses to student protests and outlined measures for fisheries, dairy and animal husbandry.
- Who
- Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, discussed the issues in an Idea Exchange session moderated by The Indian Express.
- What
- He described growth in fisheries production and exports, new export markets, dairy and animal-health measures, climate-related initiatives, student protests and Bihar politics.
- When
- The interview discussed figures for 2013-14, 2024-25 and 2025-26, along with developments in 2025 and 2026.
- Where
- The discussion covered India, including Bihar, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as overseas markets.
- Why
- The session examined the government’s efforts to expand fisheries and dairy sectors, protect livelihoods, develop exports and respond to political and social concerns.
Questions and Concerns
Minister’s Response
Student protest legitimacy
Questions and Concerns
Questions raised in the session treated demands for examination transparency as legitimate and challenged the government’s handling of demonstrations.
Minister’s Response
Singh said genuine demands should be addressed but alleged that people behind some protests sought to give them a violent form.
Police action in Delhi
Questions and Concerns
The use of force against protesters was questioned on the grounds that the demonstrations were described as peaceful.
Minister’s Response
Singh said police reacted after personnel were allegedly struck with sticks or bricks, and emphasized that there was no firing.
Bihar political transition
Questions and Concerns
The move of Nitish Kumar to the Rajya Sabha after the 2025 Bihar election was questioned as potentially inconsistent with the public mandate.
Minister’s Response
Singh rejected the characterization as a betrayal, saying Kumar had already wanted to move to the Rajya Sabha and that Samrat Choudhary was his choice.
- Fish production
- 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, up 115% from 2013-14.
- Inland fisheries
- Production increased by 147%, according to the minister.
- Fish exports
- Exports rose from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25.
- Latest export figure
- Exports reached Rs 73,890 crore in 2025-26, according to the minister.
- US market
- Exports to the United States declined by around 19-20% after the tariff exceeding 58%.
- Bihar fisheries
- Bihar’s fish production reached approximately 10.89 lakh tonnes and grew 11 times since 2005.
- Animal disease
- Reported foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks fell from 132 in 2019 to 40.