The first significant shipment of Scottish salmon has arrived in India after a free trade deal led to a 33 per cent tariff being lifted.
Freshly harvested from Scotland’s west coast by leading salmon producer Bakkafrost Scotland, the salmon arrived at Sashimi Foods in Bengaluru on Friday.
Sent by air via Heathrow Airport, the delivery arrived less than two weeks after the UK Government’s trade deal with India came into force – and as Glasgow prepares to hand the Commonwealth Games baton to Amdavad.
Estimates indicate the agreement could be worth up to £130 million to Scotland’s salmon farmers in the next decade.
The shipment has been hailed by Trade Minister Anas Sarwar, the British Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, and Heathrow bosses.
India is the world’s third-largest fish market, with domestic consumption reaching nearly 12 million tonnes in 2021 – up 120 per cent since 2005.
Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export with international sales of more than £828 million in 2025.
Although most fish in India are currently locally sourced, imports focus on premium seafood in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, where demand for healthy, high-quality produce is rising. Scottish salmon is ideally placed to meet this growing market.
Ahead of the agreement coming into force, Siddharth Malik, Consul General of India, visited Bakkafrost Scotland’s Stronachullin farm at Loch Fyne, Argyll, where he saw first-hand the expertise and innovation being deployed.
Chandru Iyer, British Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, said:
“Scottish salmon is a globally renowned UK food export, and it has been a great privilege to witness its first duty-free shipment arriving into Bengaluru this week.
“The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), one of the biggest trade deals of modern times, will increase the competitiveness of the Scottish salmon industry in India’s market as the 33 per cent Indian tariff on the product has been fully eliminated since July 15.
“India is home to a rapidly expanding consumer market with a growing appetite for high-quality, premium imported products like Scottish salmon, and this first shipment under the FTA is a major milestone.”
Anas Sarwar, UK Trade Minister, said:
“This iconic shipment of Scottish salmon shows how our new trade deals are delivering real opportunities for businesses across the UK from day one.
“Thanks to the UK’s trade deal with India, the removal of tariffs means more Scottish producers can reach millions of new customers in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, supporting jobs, exports and growth right across Scotland.”
Kedarnath Reddy, CEO and managing director of Sashimi Foods Private Limited, said:
“We are delighted to be among the first Indian companies to benefit from the UK-India free trade agreement, which has enabled this premium Scottish salmon from Bakkafrost Scotland to arrive in India tariff-free and through a streamlined import process.
“At Sashimi Foods Private Limited, we are committed to delivering premium, sustainably sourced seafood that meets the highest international standards of quality, freshness, and traceability.
“Bakkafrost Scotland’s exceptional Scottish salmon aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering Indian consumers the very best seafood from around the world.
“We sincerely thank the governments of India and the United Kingdom for creating this opportunity through the free trade agreement.
“We look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership with Bakkafrost Scotland and to making premium Scottish salmon more accessible to consumers across India.”
Ian Laister, managing director at Bakkafrost Scotland, said:
“We’re delighted to have been the first producer to ship Scottish salmon to India now the free trade deal is in place.
“The removal of the tariffs is a huge opportunity for us, and we look forward to continuing to grow our business there.
“The timing is particularly significant with Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games before handing the baton to India, and this deal symbolises the enduring connections between our nations, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to sustainable economic growth.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:
“India has phenomenal potential as a growing market for premium and sustainable Scottish salmon.
“We have been working hard with the UK Government and business partners in India to make the most of this opportunity for all our farming companies and the wider economy.
“With the first shipment having arrived in India, this is the start of a close relationship that could unlock tens of millions of pounds in exports each year, supporting well-paid jobs, investment, and growth here at home.
“This week’s India-Scottish Government meeting to coincide with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games provides a timely opportunity to put salmon from Scotland at the forefront of business and government activities.”
James Golding, head of aviation – cargo and airline partnerships at Heathrow, said:
“As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow plays a vital role in connecting British businesses with customers around the world, helping exports from every nation and region of the UK reach growing international markets.
“Heathrow is already the UK’s largest port by value, handling £293 billion worth of trade in 2025, with Scottish salmon among the airport’s top exports by volume.
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“The arrival of Scottish salmon in India just days after the UK-India free trade agreement came into force shows the power of strong hub connectivity, and highlights Heathrow’s role in allowing UK businesses to compete on the world stage.
“As demand for premium British products continues to grow in emerging markets around the world, Heathrow will remain central to helping exporters access new opportunities for growth and international trade.
“With a third runway, we can do even more to support businesses across the UK, strengthening supply chains, creating jobs, and unlocking new opportunities for growth in the years ahead.”
