The emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in aquatic food systems has become a major global public health concern. The present study examined the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices of bacterial isolates recovered from retail-marketed Labeo rohita sourced from fish markets in Punjab, India. Samples were collected from 15 fish acquired from five retail markets between March and September 2025. Bacteria were isolated using standard microbiological procedures. The isolates were identified based on their colony morphology, gram staining, and biochemical characterization. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted against 12 commonly used antibiotics using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. A total of 80 bacterial isolates were recovered, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the predominant species (50%), followed by Enterococcus spp. (15%), Pseudomonas spp. (11.25%), Acinetobacter spp. (10%), Serratia spp. (7.5%), and Aeromonas spp. (6.25%). All isolates exhibited complete resistance to amoxicillin, whereas they were completely susceptible to gentamicin. High resistance rates were recorded for ampicillin (72.5%), erythromycin (61.25%), and tetracycline (56.25%). Most isolates displayed multidrug-resistant phenotypes, showing resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. The MAR index values ranged from 0.278-0.528, with Pseudomonas spp. exhibiting the highest MAR index. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between bacterial genera and antimicrobial resistance profiles (χ² test, P = 0.011). The high prevalence of E. coli, universal resistance to amoxicillin, elevated MAR indices, and occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates indicate that retail-marketed Labeo rohita may serve as a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, posing potential food safety and public health risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved hygienic handling practices, prudent antibiotic use in aquaculture, and continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic food production systems.