New Delhi, 20 October 2026 — Food security remains an important shared concern for countries across the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), where agricultural productivity, water management, climate resilience and reliable supply chains play a significant role in economic development. With member states possessing diverse agricultural resources, production capabilities and technological expertise, cooperation in agriculture offers opportunities to improve food availability, facilitate trade and support sustainable livelihoods.
These issues formed part of the wider context of the World Food Day 2026 programme organised by the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) on 19 October in New Delhi. The gathering brought together diplomatic representatives, trade commissioners and international stakeholders to discuss food security, agricultural innovation, sustainable production and the role of international cooperation in developing more resilient food systems.
Mr. Kaleemulla, Honorary Trade Commissioner for Karnataka at the SCO Trade Council, participated in the programme, bringing attention to the potential for connecting Karnataka’s engineering and business capabilities with development opportunities across SCO member countries. His engagement comes at a time when regional cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, technology and trade remains relevant to the wider economic priorities of the SCO region.
For SCO countries, food security involves more than agricultural output. Efficient irrigation, dependable transport networks, adequate storage facilities, modern processing infrastructure and access to agricultural technologies all influence the availability and affordability of food. Cooperation in these areas can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access and enable producers to reach consumers more efficiently.
Speaking on his participation in the programme, Mr. Kaleemulla said,
“Food security and sustainable development are closely connected with the quality of infrastructure, access to technology and the ability of businesses to work across borders. I look forward to facilitating connections between companies from Karnataka and partners across SCO member countries, particularly in infrastructure, engineering and trade, while exploring opportunities that contribute to regional development.”
With an engineering background, Mr. Kaleemulla will work towards facilitating connections for infrastructure and development projects across SCO member countries. His focus will include supporting companies from Karnataka in identifying international business opportunities, establishing commercial relationships and engaging with potential partners across the region. Areas of interest include infrastructure development, engineering services, technology, logistics and projects that can support agricultural and industrial growth.
Infrastructure has a direct bearing on food security. Better roads, storage facilities, cold-chain systems, irrigation networks and reliable transport links can help agricultural producers move goods from farms to markets with fewer delays and losses. For countries seeking to improve food distribution and expand agricultural trade, collaboration between engineering firms, technology providers and commercial institutions can contribute to practical solutions.
Dr. Kemal Yildirim, Secretary-General of the SCO Trade Council, congratulated Mr. Kaleemulla on his participation in the programme . Dr. Yildirim said,
“We congratulate Mr. Kaleemulla on his engagement with the World Food Day programme and look forward to his efforts in connecting Karnataka’s business community with opportunities across the SCO region. Cooperation in infrastructure, engineering and trade can support agricultural development, improve connectivity and create new avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships.”
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization, also emphasised the value of connecting regional businesses with international markets. In a proposed statement for approval, he said,
“Food security requires cooperation across agriculture, infrastructure, technology and trade. By facilitating connections between Indian enterprises and international partners, we can encourage the exchange of expertise, identify new investment opportunities and support projects that contribute to sustainable economic development.”
The programme also reflected the importance of international dialogue in addressing the challenges facing modern food systems. The World Food Day 2026 theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” draws attention to the role of innovation, technology and inclusive approaches in improving access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food while safeguarding resources for future generations.
For Karnataka’s business community, engagement with SCO markets offers avenues to explore partnerships in engineering, industrial equipment, infrastructure services and related technologies. These capabilities can complement projects involving agricultural logistics, food storage, processing infrastructure and transport connectivity. Identifying suitable partners and understanding country-specific requirements will remain important in translating these possibilities into commercial cooperation.
The SCO Trade Council’s engagement with the World Food Day programme reflects the connection between economic diplomacy and development priorities. By facilitating dialogue between companies, institutions and international stakeholders, the Council aims to help identify opportunities that support trade, investment and cooperation across the region.
Mr. Kaleemulla’s role as Honorary Trade Commissioner for Karnataka will focus on developing these connections and encouraging greater engagement between Karnataka’s enterprises and businesses across SCO member countries.
As food security continues to feature in international discussions, cooperation between agricultural producers, infrastructure providers, technology companies and trade organisations will remain important. The World Food Day programme provided a platform for considering these shared priorities and the practical role that international partnerships can play in supporting reliable food systems and sustainable economic progress.
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