India is participating as a partner country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, which opened today in Dubai across two venues for the first time in its 31-year history. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is leading India’s participation at the event, which spans the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. The Indian pavilion, covering 1,434 square metres, was inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Avinash Joshi, in the presence of the Indian ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal.
The pavilion features 161 exhibitors from 25 states and regions across India, representing exporters, farmer-producer organisations, cooperatives, startups, state government agencies and national institutions. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is also participating, with 11 exhibitors showcasing agricultural and food products, primarily basmati rice and other cereal grains. A high-level delegation led by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is visiting Gulfood 2026. The ministry, along with Invest India, is jointly working to promote investments across the food processing and allied sectors.
Our Dubai Correspondent reports that India’s participation reflects its growing role in global agri-food trade and strengthened ties with the UAE following the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has enhanced market access for Indian agricultural and food products in the Gulf region. Gulfood 2026 will be open till 30th of this month.
