The Government of India and the World Food Programme (WFP) have taken a significant step in their collaboration to address the global hunger crisis by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI).

Under this initiative, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, will enable WFP to procure fortified rice from India. This effort is aimed at meeting the food and nutritional requirements of vulnerable populations in crisis-affected regions worldwide.

The partnership leverages India’s status as an agricultural surplus nation to provide life-saving food aid and strengthen global efforts to combat hunger. It reflects India’s commitment to the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world as one family – and its willingness to extend humanitarian support to communities facing food insecurity.

The initiative builds on discussions held during the February 2025 Executive Board side event in Rome, where representatives from the Indian government and WFP examined opportunities for collaboration. The LoI lays the groundwork for ensuring a reliable supply of food grains for humanitarian distribution.

In addition to fortified rice supply, ongoing collaborative initiatives between India and WFP include supply chain optimization, fortified rice rollout, deployment of Annapurti grain dispensing devices, establishment of Jan Poshan Kendras, adoption of smart warehousing technology, and use of Flospans (mobile storage units). Further areas of cooperation were also reviewed for future engagement.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary of DFPD, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India, WFP’s Regional Director for APARO, the Country Director for WFP India, and other key representatives.