“Producers are gearing up for a new drive into the market after last year’s UK-India trade deal promised to remove the tariffs that have held exports back,” said Salmon Scotland.

“Scottish salmon currently faces a 33 per cent import duty, but that barrier is expected to be removed this year when the agreement comes into force.

“This paves the way for exports that could rise to more than £30 million a year by the end of the decade under high-growth projections, creating inward investment and well-paid jobs in Scotland.”

The new analysis by Salmon Scotland suggests India could become one of Scotland’s top overseas markets for salmon by the mid-2030s, as demand for premium seafood rises in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.

The India opportunity forms part of a wider push to expand Scottish salmon exports in fast-growing markets across Asia and the Gulf, amid progress on a series of key free trade deals.

Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott said: “Scottish salmon is already the UK’s top food export, with international sales worth £828 million last year and strong demand across Asia.

“India now represents the next major opportunity. With tariffs set to be removed, exports to India could deliver up to £130 million over the next decade, supporting jobs and investment in coastal communities across Scotland.

“We’ve seen in markets like China how quickly demand can build once trade barriers fall. India has the scale and economic momentum to follow a similar path.

“We are ready to move quickly once the deal is in force and position Scotland as a premium supplier in this fast-growing market.”

Scottish salmon is the UK’s top food export, achieiving £828 million in 2025 – a 2% fall on the previous year. Sales to Asia grew by 18%.

The top markets for Scottish salmon were France (£337m, down 27%), the United States (£301m, up 34%), and China (£97m, up 28%).

UK sales of salmon are running at £1.5 billion a year – making it the most popular fish among UK consumers.