Archive · 2 Oct 2026
India Targets Doubling Agri-Food Exports Through EU Trade Pact
India wants to sell twice as much farm and processed food to other countries.
It currently exports about US$53 billion of these products.
The country hopes to earn more by processing food instead of selling only raw farm products.
A new trade agreement with the European Union could make it easier to reach European customers.
The agreement is expected to be signed before the end of 2026 and begin around mid-2027.
These ideas were discussed at two large food exhibitions in Mumbai.
The exhibitions bring together food companies, technology providers, buyers and investors.
Speakers also discussed plant-based foods, better machines and stronger supply chains.
They said these changes could help farmers and improve global food security.
India aims to double its US$53 billion agricultural and processed-food exports through value addition and expanded market access.
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2026 and enter into force around mid-2027.
Anuga Select India and Anuga FoodTec India 2026 are being held in Mumbai from September 29 to October 1.
More than 1,100 exhibitors from 43 countries and over 45,000 trade visitors are expected at the exhibitions.
Officials highlighted food processing, plant-based foods, advanced technology, supply-chain resilience and international partnerships as growth priorities.
- Who
- Indian government and food-industry representatives, European and Dutch officials, Koelnmesse, farmers and international food businesses.
- What
- India is seeking to double agricultural and processed-food exports while expanding food processing and international partnerships.
- When
- The exhibitions run from September 29 to October 1, 2026; the India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to be signed before the end of 2026 and take effect around mid-2027.
- Where
- The discussions and exhibitions are taking place at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai, India.
- Why
- India aims to create more value for farmers, attract investment, expand market access and strengthen food-sector resilience.
- Current agri-food exports
- US$53 billion in 2025-26
- Export ambition
- India aims to double agricultural and processed-food exports.
- India-EU trade agreement
- Expected to be signed before the end of 2026 and enter into force around mid-2027.
- Exhibition dates
- September 29 to October 1, 2026
- Exhibition scale
- More than 1,100 exhibitors from 43 countries, with over 45,000 trade visitors expected.
- Indian food market
- Estimated at US$550–600 billion, growing at 6–7% annually.
- Food-processing outlook
- The sector was valued at around US$382 billion in FY2025 and is projected to approach US$689 billion by FY2034.