India Makes History as Partner Country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai

India has created history by participating as a Partner Country at Gulfood 2026 for the first time in the event’s 31-year history, marking a major milestone in the country’s global agri-food trade journey. Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing exhibition, opened today in Dubai and is being hosted simultaneously across two mega venues for the first time ever.

The five-day event runs from January 26 to January 30, 2026, spanning the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, setting a global benchmark for scale and participation.

Why Is India’s Partner Country Status at Gulfood 2026 Significant?

India’s designation as Partner Country underscores its strategic importance as a reliable global sourcing destination and a key contributor to global food security and resilient supply chains.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that India’s participation reflects:

• Its rising stature in global agri-food trade

• Strengthened economic ties with the UAE following the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

• Growing international demand for Indian agricultural and processed food products

Who Is Leading India’s Participation at Gulfood 2026?

India’s presence at Gulfood 2026 is being led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Indian Pavilion, spread across 1,434 square metres, was formally inaugurated by:

• Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries

• Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is attending the event, with the Ministry working jointly with Invest India to promote investments in food processing and allied sectors.

How Many Indian Exhibitors Are Participating and From Where?

India is showcasing its diverse agri-food ecosystem through 161 exhibitors drawn from 25 states and regions across the country.

Participating states include:

• Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana

• Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala

• West Bengal and several other regions

The exhibitors represent a wide spectrum, including:

• Exporters

• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

• Cooperatives

• Startups

• State government agencies

• National institutions

Additionally, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is participating with 11 exhibitors, primarily showcasing basmati rice and other cereal grains.

What Is the Bharati Pavilion and Why Does It Matter?

A major highlight of India’s participation is the BHARATI Pavilion, APEDA’s flagship initiative aimed at promoting export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups.

Key features of the Bharati Pavilion:

• Located in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre

• Showcases eight high-potential Indian startups

• Startups were selected through a national-level process from over 100 applicants

• Focuses on innovation, technology, and scalable export solutions

The pavilion reflects India’s growing emphasis on startup-led growth and value-added agri-exports.

How Big Is Gulfood 2026 and Why Is It Historic?

Gulfood 2026 is setting new global exhibition records:

• Over 280,000 square metres of exhibition space sold out

• 100% expansion in a single year, the largest in its history

• More than 8,500 exhibitors

• Showcasing 1.5 million products

• Participants from 195 countries

• 40% first-time exhibitors

• Largest national participation from major food-producing nations, including India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States

India’s pavilion has doubled in size compared to last year, reflecting:

• Expanding footprint of Indian agri-food exports

• Rising global demand for Indian products

• Increased participation from exporters, institutions, and startups

How Are the Two Venues Organised?

India has a strong presence at both venues:

Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo City Dubai) hosts:

• World Food Hall

• Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall

• Gulfood Green (focused on sustainability, innovation, and future food systems)

Dubai World Trade Centre hosts:

• Beverage Hall

• Startup Hall

• Bharati Pavilion

What Did Gulfood’s Organisers Say?

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of Kaoun International, said:

“This is a world-record moment for Gulfood, Dubai and the global food and beverage industry.”

What Does This Mean for India’s Global Agri-Food Strategy?

India’s Partner Country status at Gulfood 2026 signals:

• Stronger integration with global food supply chains

• Enhanced export opportunities in the Gulf and beyond

• Increased foreign investment interest in Indian food processing

• Recognition of India as a dependable contributor to global food security

With Gulfood open until January 30, 2026, India’s expanded presence is expected to translate into new trade partnerships, investment flows, and long-term market access.