BRICS Trade Council

Two men in formal attire exchanging a certificate at a formal event, with a backdrop of international flags.

New Delhi, 20 October 2026 — Food security, sustainable agriculture and international trade took centre stage at the World Food Day 2026 programme organised by the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) in New Delhi. Bringing together diplomatic representatives, trade bodies and industry stakeholders, the programme examined how international cooperation, agricultural innovation, investment and technology can contribute to more resilient food systems and improve access to nutritious food.

Among the participants was Prof. Dr. B. Abdul Rafeeq, Honorary Trade Commissioner of the India BRICS Trade Council , whose participation brought the perspective of emerging-economy cooperation to the discussions. The programme highlighted the importance of connecting agricultural priorities with economic diplomacy and creating opportunities for partnerships across food production, processing, storage, logistics and international trade.

Global food security remains a pressing concern, with the FAO’s 2026 report estimating that 645 million people experienced hunger in 2025 and 2.7 billion could not afford a healthy diet. In this context, BRICS, representing approximately 49.5% of the world’s population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade, holds significant potential to advance agricultural cooperation, food processing, technology exchange and investment, contributing to more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. B. Abdul Rafeeq said,

“Food security is closely connected to economic cooperation and the ability of countries to exchange knowledge, technology and resources. BRICS provides an important platform for exploring partnerships in agriculture, food processing, storage and trade. By bringing businesses and institutions together, we can work towards practical solutions that benefit farmers, producers and consumers.”

For BRICS economies, agricultural cooperation extends beyond the production of food grains and other commodities. It encompasses opportunities in precision agriculture, irrigation, agricultural machinery, climate-resilient farming, fertiliser efficiency, cold-chain infrastructure and digital technologies that improve productivity and reduce wastage. Collaboration in these areas can help businesses identify complementary capabilities, expand market access and develop solutions suited to the agricultural requirements of different countries.

The economic significance of such cooperation is particularly evident when food availability is considered alongside affordability and distribution. Agricultural production alone cannot guarantee food security if inadequate storage, inefficient transportation, high input costs or supply-chain disruptions prevent food from reaching consumers. Investment in warehousing, refrigeration, modern processing facilities, packaging and digital traceability can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve market connectivity and preserve the quality of perishable produce.

The programme also brought a European perspective to the discussion through the participation of representatives from diplomatic missions, including the Royal Danish Embassy. Ms. Erika Torres Luquin, Food and Agriculture Sector Counsellor at the Royal Danish Embassy, stated,

“Food security depends not only on how much food is produced, but also on how effectively it is processed, stored and distributed. Cooperation between countries, businesses and research institutions can help make agricultural innovation more accessible and support food systems that are productive, responsible and sustainable.”

The participation of representatives from both BRICS and European trade and diplomatic platforms underscored the value of bringing different economic experiences and technological capabilities into the same conversation. While emerging economies offer diverse agricultural markets, production capabilities and development experience, international partnerships can facilitate the exchange of expertise in sustainable farming, food processing, resource efficiency and supply-chain management. Such engagement can also help identify investment opportunities and encourage businesses to develop commercially viable solutions to shared challenges.

Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization, emphasised the importance of connecting diplomatic engagement with industry capabilities.

He said, “Food security requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses and institutions. India has considerable capabilities in agriculture, manufacturing, food processing and technology. Connecting these strengths with the requirements of partner countries can encourage practical cooperation, support agricultural development and create opportunities for businesses across markets.”

India’s role in these discussions is particularly relevant given the country’s broad agricultural base and expanding capabilities in food processing, agricultural technology and logistics. Greater engagement with international partners can create avenues for Indian enterprises to participate in cross-border projects, share technical expertise and develop solutions for markets seeking improvements in productivity, storage, processing and distribution. For trade organisations, this presents an opportunity to translate diplomatic engagement into business partnerships, institutional exchanges and investment-led initiatives.

Dr. Kemal Yildirim, Secretary-General, said,

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Dr. B. Abdul Rafeeq. I am confident that his association with the India BRICS Trade Council will contribute to greater engagement in international trade, foster meaningful partnerships and create new avenues for cooperation among BRICS economies, particularly in agriculture, food security and sustainable development.”

Sustainability was another important dimension of the programme’s wider theme. Agricultural systems increasingly need to balance productivity with efficient water use, soil conservation, responsible resource management and adaptation to changing climatic conditions. Investments in modern irrigation, renewable-energy-powered agricultural infrastructure, climate-smart farming and improved post-harvest management can help address these priorities while supporting the long-term viability of agricultural businesses.

For Prof. Dr. B. Abdul Rafeeq and the India BRICS Trade Council, the programme provided an opportunity to engage with the broader international discussion on food security and the role of economic cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges. Continued dialogue among trade organisations, diplomatic missions, industry stakeholders and research institutions can help identify market-specific requirements and facilitate partnerships that connect technological expertise with practical needs.

The central message of the programme was that resilient food systems depend on more than agricultural output. Affordable nutrition, efficient supply chains, appropriate technology, investment and sustained international cooperation are equally important.

Myanmar a dialogue partner of SCO participated and was represented by the Ambassador designate of Republic of Myanmar.
The programme highlighted Myanmar’s national priorities in strengthening food security and agricultural development. Under the leadership of the State Administration Council, Myanmar has established two key national initiatives: ensuring national prosperity and enhancing food and water security.

With a strong emphasis on improving agricultural productivity, the government has formulated and is implementing agricultural policies, strategic plans, and short-term and long-term development projects aimed at ensuring access to nutritious, safe, and quality food for the people.

Myanmar’s agricultural development priorities underscore the importance of international partnerships, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and cooperation in building resilient food systems and promoting sustainable economic growth

https://www.mofa.gov.mm/en/h-e-u-aye-min-htwe-attends-world-food-day-2026-organized-by-indian-economic-trade-organization-ieto