New Delhi, 20 October 2026 — The Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) hosted an international programme to mark World Food Day 2026 at FIEO, Niryat Bhavan, New Delhi, bringing together diplomatic representatives, trade bodies and industry stakeholders to discuss food security, sustainable agriculture and opportunities for international cooperation.
Mr. Bhanu Chander Pilli, Honorary Trade Commissioner of the India–EU Trade Council, attended the programme, contributing to discussions on the role of trade and business partnerships in supporting food security. His participation also reflected the Council’s interest in expanding commercial engagement between Indian enterprises and European markets, particularly Latvia and the wider Baltic region, across agriculture, food processing, agricultural technology and supply-chain development.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of continuing international efforts to improve food availability, reduce waste and make agricultural systems more resilient. The European Union has pursued these objectives through initiatives such as its Common Agricultural Policy and Farm to Fork Strategy, which address agricultural sustainability, food production and responsible resource management.
The scale of the European agri-food sector offers considerable scope for international engagement. According to Eurostat, the EU exported agricultural products worth €234.1 billion in 2024 and imported €194.9 billion, recording a trade surplus of €39.2 billion. At the same time, food waste remains a significant concern. European Commission estimates put annual food waste at approximately 58 million tonnes, underlining the need for improved storage, processing, distribution and resource efficiency.
For India and Europe, these priorities present opportunities to combine commercial capabilities with practical solutions. Indian companies have experience in agricultural machinery, irrigation, food processing, affordable technologies and manufacturing, while European markets offer avenues for collaboration in advanced processing systems, quality management, sustainable production and logistics.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhanu Chander Pilli said,
“India and Europe have complementary strengths in agriculture, food processing and technology. My focus will be on connecting Indian companies with suitable European partners, particularly in Latvia and the wider Baltic region, and facilitating commercial opportunities that can create lasting value for businesses on both sides.”
Latvia is an important point of interest in the Council’s proposed engagement with the Baltic region. Opportunities can be explored in agricultural equipment, food-processing technologies, storage solutions, packaging, logistics and related industrial sectors. By facilitating dialogue between Indian enterprises and European businesses, the Council aims to help companies understand market requirements, identify potential partners and explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities.
The programme also brought a diplomatic perspective to the wider discussion on sustainable food systems. Ms. Erika Torres Luquin, Food and Agriculture Sector Counsellor at the Royal Danish Embassy, was invited to contribute to the exchange on agricultural cooperation, innovation and food security.
She said “Food security requires sustained cooperation between countries, businesses and research institutions. Sharing knowledge, improving resource efficiency and making agricultural innovation accessible can help develop food systems that are more sustainable and better prepared to meet future needs.”
Ms. Maria Oliver, Secretary General of the India–EU Trade Council, noted in a proposed comment that commercial engagement would remain central to the Council’s work.
“Our priority is to connect Indian enterprises with European partners and develop relationships based on shared interests and clearly identified market opportunities. Engagement with Latvia and the wider Baltic region can open further avenues for trade, investment and technological cooperation.”
Mr. Ankit Jain, Honorary Trade Commissioner of the India–EU Trade Council, stated
“There is considerable scope for Indian companies to explore European markets through agricultural equipment, food-processing solutions and supply-chain technologies. Direct business engagement can help identify areas of demand and build partnerships with long-term commercial value.”
The gathering, organised by IETO, brought together representatives from different regions to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. It focused on the connection between food security, international trade and the movement of technology, investment and expertise across borders. Reliable storage, efficient transport, modern processing facilities and access to suitable agricultural technologies remain important considerations in reducing losses and improving the availability of food.
For the India–EU Trade Council, the programme provides an opportunity to pursue more focused engagement between Indian businesses and European counterparts. The proposed emphasis on Latvia and the Baltic region will involve identifying relevant sectors, understanding local requirements and facilitating discussions with potential commercial partners.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the India–EU Trade Council, emphasised the importance of translating international dialogue into practical cooperation. In a proposed statement for his approval, he said,
“India and Europe have much to offer each other in agriculture, technology and food processing. By bringing businesses and institutions together, we can encourage partnerships that support agricultural development, improve supply chains and create opportunities for both markets.”
The World Food Day programme served as a platform for connecting these priorities with opportunities for international business engagement, placing trade and collaboration within the wider effort to build more reliable and sustainable food systems.
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