India Counters Allegations of Abuses in Shrimp Industry

• 04 Apr 2024

Recently, India, the leading supplier of shrimps to the U.S., dismissed allegations of human rights and environmental violations.

Key Points

• Refutation of Allegations: Indian officials rejected claims made by a Chicago-based human rights group, asserting the integrity of the shrimp export value chain certified by MPEDA.
• Growing Importance of Shrimp Exports: Shrimp exports contribute significantly to India's seafood industry, with exports reaching $5.6 billion in 2022-23, making India a key player in the global market.
• Efforts to Uphold Reputation: Commerce Ministry officials planned to engage with seafood exporters to address concerns and safeguard India's standing in international markets.
• Focus on Working Conditions: Authorities aim to commission independent studies on working conditions in shrimp farms, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
• Importance of Regulatory Compliance: India highlighted its adherence to international regulations, with regular monitoring by regulatory agencies and audits from entities like USFDA and European Commission.
• Response to CAL Report: Indian officials challenged the credibility of the Corporate Accountability Lab report, citing selective highlighting of isolated incidents and lack of verification.