Partner country status signals India’s growing role in global food trade. APEDA leads high-impact participation with focus on exports and innovation as diverse regional products and GI-tagged items highlight India’s agricultural diversity.
India is set to project the strength and diversity of its agri-food sector at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest food and beverage exhibitions, with 161 exhibitors participating from across the country. Organised in Dubai from January 26 to 30, the event marks a significant milestone for India as it participates as the Partner Country for the first time, underscoring its growing prominence in global agri-food trade and supply chains.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the ministry of commerce and industry, is leading India’s expanded presence at the global event, which brings together exporters, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, state government agencies, and national institutions under a unified Indian Pavilion.
Expanded Footprint, Diverse Participation
India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 spans an exhibition area of 1,434 square metres, nearly double the footprint recorded in the previous year. The pavilion features exhibitors across a wide range of categories, including processed foods, fresh and frozen products, pulses, grains and cereals, beverages, value-added food products, and agri-export startups.
More than 160 exhibitors representing 25 states and regions are taking part, reflecting the vast geographical and agricultural diversity of the country. The participating states include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, among others.
The exhibition highlights region-specific agri-products, organic produce, GI-tagged items, and value-added food products, demonstrating India’s expanding engagement in international agri-trade and its capacity to meet evolving global demand.
Strategic Significance of Partner Country Status
India’s designation as the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026 signals its rising importance as a reliable sourcing destination and a key contributor to global food security and resilient supply chains. According to official statements, India’s participation aligns with emerging opportunities under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has strengthened bilateral trade and investment flows between the two countries.
The partner country status also provides India with a strategic platform to deepen trade relationships, showcase innovation in agri-food products, and position itself as a competitive global supplier amid growing uncertainties in international food markets.
Showcasing the Agri-Food Ecosystem
The Indian pavilion brings together key national institutions and government bodies, including NAFED, the National Cooperative Exports Limited, the National Horticulture Board, the Spices Board of India, the Tea Board of India, the National Turmeric Board, and various exporters’ associations and cooperatives. Their participation reflects a coordinated effort to present a comprehensive picture of India’s agri-food ecosystem and export readiness.
A major highlight of India’s presence is the BHARATI Pavilion, APEDA’s flagship initiative aimed at promoting export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups. The pavilion underscores India’s growing emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions in agriculture and food processing.
In addition, the Indian Pavilion features a dedicated culinary area where live demonstrations of Indian cuisine are being conducted, offering international buyers and visitors a sensory experience of India’s culinary heritage and food innovation.
Boosting Agri-Exports and Global Visibility
India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 is part of a broader strategy to strengthen agri-exports and enhance the country’s visibility in global markets. The exhibition provides Indian exporters with an opportunity to engage directly with international buyers, explore new markets, and build long-term trade partnerships.
By showcasing a wide spectrum of agricultural and processed food products, India aims to position itself as a diversified and resilient supplier capable of meeting global demand across multiple categories. The event also highlights the country’s progress in value addition, branding, and quality standards, which are increasingly critical in competitive global markets.
A Platform for Future Growth
Gulfood 2026, being held across the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, serves as a crucial platform for global food industry stakeholders, policymakers, and businesses. India’s enhanced participation reflects its ambition to scale up agri-exports and integrate more deeply into global value chains.
As India continues to expand its agricultural production and processing capabilities, its strong presence at Gulfood 2026 signals a strategic push to consolidate its position as a major player in the global agri-food sector. With growing emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and export competitiveness, India’s showcase at the event is expected to strengthen its trade footprint and reinforce its role in ensuring global food security in the years ahead.
