India’s growing role in the global food economy and its deepening partnership with the UAE were highlighted at the Gulfood World Economy Summit, where senior government officials and industry leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across the food and beverage sector. Delivering the keynote address at an India-centric session, Shri Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, underscored India’s emergence as a global food leader, with emphasis on value-added food processing, supply chain resilience and expanding collaboration with the UAE. He highlighted opportunities arising from rising regional demand for Indian food products and the country’s focus on innovation-led growth.
A fireside chat titled “India–UAE: Building the world’s most trusted food supply bridge” brought together Consul General of India in Dubai Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev, Saleh Lootah, chairman of the food and beverage sector, and senior industry stakeholders. Discussions centred on strengthening food trade under the India – UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, co-manufacturing opportunities, food safety and traceability, and the development of sustainable food systems.
On the sidelines of Gulfood 2026, Shri Avinash Joshi and Shri Satish Kumar Sivan also attended the UAE Food Stakeholders Cluster Meeting. The India – UAE Partnership Food Cluster convened key players from across the food and beverage ecosystem to explore deeper collaboration in food processing, agri-value chain integration, innovation and sustainable practices.The engagements reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and the UAE to food security, technology partnerships and enhanced bilateral trade and investment in the food and beverage sector.
