The five-day mission to New Delhi and Mumbai, organised by trade body Salmon Scotland, begins today [MON] and is the first time it has brought producers together for a dedicated overseas trade mission anywhere in the world.
Four of Scotland’s five largest salmon producers are taking part, just months after the UK-India free trade deal, also known as CETA, removed the 33 per cent tariff on Scottish salmon.
Bakkafrost Scotland, Loch Duart, Mowi Scotland and Scottish Sea Farms are joining the mission, supported by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC).
Together, the delegation represents businesses connected to more than 80 per cent of Scottish salmon exports.
The agreement has opened up one of the world’s largest fish markets to Scottish producers, with the first major shipment arriving in India in July.
More than 100 direct flights a week link the UK and India, helping make it possible for fresh salmon from Scotland’s west coast, Highlands and islands to reach Indian customers within days of harvest.
Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s trade commissioner for South Asia and British deputy high commissioner for Western India, said:
“The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is unlocking significant new opportunities for UK exporters, with Scottish salmon standing out as a premium UK product well placed to meet the growing demand in India.
“By connecting UK suppliers with Indian buyers, trade missions like this help turn the ambitions of the agreement into real business opportunities, supporting increased trade, investment and long-term commercial partnerships.”
Over the next five days, the delegation will meet importers, distributors, retailers, hotel buyers and leading chefs in New Delhi and Mumbai as they look to build new partnerships and grow demand for fresh Scottish salmon.
The programme also includes talks with the British High Commission and Indian government officials, as well as one-to-one meetings with potential customers and partners.
A key focus will be improving the movement of fresh salmon through the supply chain, including discussions with Indian customs and food safety authorities on faster and more predictable clearance.
Salmon Scotland analysis suggests exports to India could be worth up to £130 million over the next decade, rising to more than £30 million a year by the end of the decade under high-growth projections.
India is the world’s third-largest fish market, with domestic consumption reaching nearly 12 million tonnes in 2021, while demand for premium imported seafood is growing in its major cities.
Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with international sales worth £828 million in 2025.
Dr Kishore Jayaraman OBE, group chief executive of the UKIBC, said:
“UKIBC is delighted to support the Scottish salmon sector to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing premium food and hospitality segment.
“With rising demand for high-quality proteins and world-class culinary experiences, this partnership opens valuable opportunities for Scottish producers and Indian importers, hotels, and retailers alike.
“Together, we are building a resilient, cold-chain-enabled supply network that ensures fresh, consistent, and reliable deliveries across key Indian markets.
“By leveraging CETA’s tariff benefits and UKIBC’s on-the-ground expertise, we aim to create a win-win corridor with enhanced choices for Indian consumers while supporting sustainable growth and jobs in both countries.”
James Park, head of international trade and engagement at Salmon Scotland, said:
“This is the first time we have brought our producers together for a dedicated trade mission anywhere in the world, and India is an exciting place to start.
“The removal of the 33 per cent tariff has created a major new opportunity, and this week is about getting out into the market, listening to Indian businesses and turning that opportunity into long-term trade.
“We’ll be meeting importers, distributors, hotel buyers and chefs to understand what they need and how Scottish producers can work with them, while also looking at how we can make the supply chain as smooth and efficient as possible.
“We want to build strong, long-term partnerships that give Indian businesses and consumers greater access to fresh Scottish salmon, while supporting investment, growth and well-paid jobs in Scotland.”
Scottish salmon farmers have launched a landmark trade mission to India as they target a new export market worth up to £130 million over the next decade.
