India rising at Gulfood World Economy Summit reinforces India’s leadership in global food trade

India Rising at the Gulfood World Economy Summit firmly positioned India at the centre of global food trade discourse, highlighting its role as Partner Country and one of the most influential contributors to Gulfood 2026.

The high-level session brought together senior government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders, reflecting the scale and strategic importance of India’s participation across two major venues at Gulfood. The programme underscored the depth of the India–UAE food trade relationship under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), showcasing a shared vision for resilient, future-ready supply chains.

The session opened with a keynote address by Shri Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, who highlighted India’s growing global food leadership, focus on value addition, and expanding collaboration with the UAE across food processing, exports, and innovation.

A landmark India–UAE fireside chat featured Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India, Mr Saleh Lootah, Chairman, UAE Food Cluster, and Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, alongside industry leaders. Discussions centred on CEPA-led trade growth, strengthening bilateral supply chains, GCC demand for Indian value-added foods, co-manufacturing opportunities, and shared priorities around food safety and sustainability.

With participation from flagship Indian companies including AMUL, Dabur, and Mother Dairy, alongside emerging new-age food brands, the session highlighted India’s evolution from a trusted supplier of staples to a global source of high-value, branded, and innovative food products.

The India Rising platform reinforced India’s position as a reliable and strategic global food partner—driving value-added exports, strengthening supply chain resilience, and building long-term trust across GCC markets and beyond.

Strengthening supply chains. Scaling value-added exports. Building trust.

Through APEDA’s leadership at India Rising, India continues to build one of the world’s most trusted food supply bridges at Gulfood 2026.