PM Modi Inaugurates World Food India 2025, Urges Global Investment in Food Processing Sector

Inauguration Marks Global Showcase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the fourth edition of World Food India 2025 on September 25, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The mega event, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), is scheduled to run until September 28, 2025, and serves as a pivotal platform to showcase India's burgeoning food processing sector and attract international collaborations and investments.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's 'triple strength of diversity, demand, and scale,' making it an attractive destination for global investors in the food sector. He emphasized that 'this is the right time to invest and expand in India,' noting the country's position as the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem, with many ventures in food and agriculture.

Key Objectives and Participation

World Food India 2025 is themed around sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, aiming to strengthen India's role in global food systems. The event's core objectives include promoting and attracting investments in food processing, positioning India as a sourcing hub, and facilitating buyer-seller meets. It also seeks to empower local MSMEs, improve cold-chain infrastructure, and boost exports, aligning with initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

The event has drawn extensive international participation, with over 90 countries and more than 2,000 exhibitors expected. New Zealand and Saudi Arabia are participating as Partner Countries, while Japan, the UAE, Vietnam, and Russia are featured as Focus Countries. The exhibition spans 1,00,000 square meters at Pragati Maidan, offering a dynamic platform for business opportunities and global partnerships.

Investment and Sectoral Growth

The event is projected to attract over Rs 1 trillion in investments into the food processing sector. On the inaugural day, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 75,000 crore were signed. Notable commitments include Reliance Consumer Products pledging Rs 40,000 crore for integrated food-manufacturing facilities and the Coca-Cola System committing Rs 25,760 crore.

Prime Minister Modi also announced credit-linked support of over Rs 770 crore for approximately 26,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, supporting micro-projects valued at over Rs 2,510 crore. He highlighted India's significant agricultural output, being the largest producer of milk and millets, and the second-largest producer of rice and wheat.

Diverse Engagements and Future Vision

World Food India 2025 features a comprehensive program including CEO roundtables, technical sessions, exhibitions, and various business interactions such as B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings. A Global Food Regulators Summit, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is also part of the event, aiming to harmonize food safety and quality standards. The event also hosts a Startup Grand Challenge to encourage innovation in supply chain efficiency, nutrition, food safety, and sustainability.

The Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to expanding its capacity and contribution to global food security, emphasizing the government's efforts to strengthen the entire food and nutrition ecosystem. He noted the promotion of the food processing sector through 100% FDI, the PLI scheme, and the expansion of mega food parks. This edition of World Food India is poised to be a landmark event, reinforcing India's aspiration to become the 'Food Basket of the World' and a global leader in sustainable food systems.