NEW DELHI, Sept 27: Kuwait’s Ambassador to India, Mishal Al-Shamali, said Friday that the World Food Congress (WFC), currently being held in India with Kuwaiti participation, serves as a strategic platform for building global partnerships in the food sector.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Shamali confirmed that Kuwait is represented at the event by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, and that the congress presents a valuable opportunity to collaborate with leading global food markets.

"The conference is an important venue for establishing strategic partnerships, particularly with the Indian food market, which is considered one of the most vital food baskets in the world," Al-Shamali stated. He noted that India plays a key role in promoting global food security due to its abundant production and diversified exports.

The congress, which began Thursday and runs through September 28, brings together 21 countries and 150 international participants, and is held under the high patronage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Al-Shamali praised Modi’s support, emphasizing the event's significance in developing investment opportunities and economic growth within the food sector, especially considering India's central role in global food production and exports.

The Ambassador explained that this year’s congress focuses on several key themes:

For his part, Prime Minister Modi, in his opening remarks, said the congress offers an opportunity for stakeholders across the food chain — including farmers, investors, businesses, and consumers — to connect, innovate, and collaborate.

He stressed that India remains a reliable contributor to global food security, despite the growing challenges of the 21st century. Modi credited India's rising production capacity to policies that support farmers, herders, and fishermen.

India, he added, holds a dominant position in global food production:

Modi highlighted India's attractiveness as an investment hub in the global food sector, pointing to its diversity, vast consumer demand, and large economic footprint. "India produces every type of grain, fruit, and vegetable," he said. "This makes it truly unique and globally significant."

The World Food Congress will feature executive panels, technical sessions, exhibitions, and business cooperation forums, including private-private, private-government, and government-to-government meetings.

Participating countries include France, Germany, Iran, Australia, South Korea, Denmark, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Belgium, Tanzania, Eritrea, Cyprus, Afghanistan, China, and the United States.