Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fourth edition of World Food India (WFI) 2025 on September 25 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries said on Tuesday.
The four-day mega event, spread across 1,00,000 sq. metres, will run till September 28 and is expected to be the largest congregation of stakeholders in the country’s food processing sector. More than 21 countries, 21 Indian states and Union Territories, 10 central ministries and five allied government organisations will participate.
The inaugural session will be attended by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Chirag Paswan, and Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan said the event is not merely a trade show but a “transformative platform” to position India as a global hub for food innovation, investment and sustainability. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this event demonstrates our commitment to sustainable, inclusive and future-ready food systems and strengthens India’s position as the Food Basket of the World,” he said.
This year, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia are the partner countries, while Japan, Russia, the UAE and Vietnam will be focus countries. The event will see participation from over 1,700 exhibitors, 500 international buyers and delegates from more than 100 nations.
More than 45 knowledge sessions, including thematic discussions, state and country-specific conferences and CXO roundtables with over 100 global agri-food leaders, have been scheduled.
Several parallel events will also be organised, including the third Global Food Regulators Summit by FSSAI, the 24th India International Seafood Show by SEAI, and a reverse buyer-seller meet by APEDA with the participation of over 1,000 buyers. Special exhibitions will feature international, state and ministry pavilions, along with dedicated sections on pet food, technology and start-up innovations.
The 2025 edition is structured around five core pillars — sustainability and net zero food processing, India as a global hub, advances in food processing and packaging technologies, food for nutrition and wellness, and livestock and marine products as drivers of the rural economy.
On the sidelines, Paswan also launched a publication titled “Frequently Asked Questions on Different Concepts of Food Processing”, aimed at dispelling myths around processed foods and promoting science-based information to help consumers make informed choices.
The ministry acknowledged the support of other government departments, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Fisheries, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of MSME, APEDA, MPEDA and Commodity Boards, in organising the event.
The ministry said World Food India 2025 will serve as a landmark global platform showcasing India’s food processing journey and fostering international collaborations and investment opportunities.