India's recent series of free trade agreements (FTAs) are set to open significant new opportunities for the country's agriculture and food processing industries, according to a senior government minister. The pacts will provide wider market access for Indian produce on the global stage.
FTAs Pave the Way for Market Expansion
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, made the announcement on Friday. He highlighted that India has successfully negotiated and implemented several key FTAs recently. These agreements are with Mauritius, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc, the United Kingdom, Oman, and New Zealand.
"We have navigated a series of free trade agreements. Our produce has access to these markets," Prasada stated. This strategic move is designed to boost export revenues from the vital agro-based sector, which already boasts over 40,000 registered processing units across the nation.
Red Carpet for Investment: Easing Business Compliance
Alongside securing market access, the government is actively working to improve the domestic business environment. Prasada emphasized efforts to remove unnecessary regulatory hurdles that often deter investment and foreign participation.
"The government has also ensured ease of doing business in India, doing away with the unnecessary compliances and regulation burdens," he explained. The minister confidently declared that the "red carpet has been rolled out for investment", signaling a welcoming approach to both domestic and international investors in the food and agriculture space.
World Culinary Heritage Conference 2026 Inaugurated
The minister shared these insights during the inauguration of the World Culinary Heritage Conference 2026. The event is being held at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida and is part of the larger three-day Indusfood exhibition. The show is organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).
TPCI Chairman, Mohit Singla, provided details about the scale of the event. He noted that participants from over 120 countries are attending this food and beverages showcase. The buyer and exhibitor list includes significant representation from nations such as China, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Nepal, and Lebanon.
Singla added that the conference has assembled a remarkable gathering of culinary and industry talent. It features 30 global chefs, 350 Indian chefs, policymakers, industry leaders, and startups. He described the platform as a "thought-leadership platform connecting culture, cuisine, commerce, and sustainability".
The combined focus on international trade agreements and a streamlined domestic policy framework aims to position India's agriculture and food processing sector for substantial growth in the coming years.
