The Government of India and the World Food Programme (WFP) have reached a major milestone in their ongoing partnership by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) aimed at addressing global hunger.
As part of this initiative, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) will facilitate the supply of fortified rice from India to WFP. This rice will support vulnerable communities in crisis-affected areas around the world, meeting urgent food and nutritional needs.
This partnership highlights the importance of global cooperation. By sourcing rice from India, an agriculturally surplus country, WFP can enhance its ability to deliver critical food aid and make meaningful strides in the fight against hunger.
“India is guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family, and believes in shared responsibility for a common future,” said Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary of DFPD. “Providing humanitarian assistance to food-insecure communities reflects this commitment.”
Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director, acknowledged India’s strong support: “We sincerely appreciate India’s consistent efforts to promote global food security and peace. This collaboration reflects our shared goal of strengthening global humanitarian response and sustaining assistance to those in need.”
Skau also expressed gratitude for India’s vital role in combating hunger, especially in the current global context of increasing food insecurity and limited humanitarian resources.
The LoI builds on discussions held during the Executive Board side event in Rome in February 2025, where Indian government and WFP officials explored avenues for expanded cooperation. It paves the way for a reliable supply of food grains for humanitarian use.
In addition, the dialogue covered several ongoing areas of collaboration, including Supply Chain Optimization (Distribution/Procurement), the Fortified Rice Rollout, Annapurti Devices (Grain ATMs), Jan Poshan Kendra, Smart Warehousing technologies, and Flospans (Mobile Storage Units), along with discussions on new potential areas of partnership.
The event was attended by Mr. Ashutosh Agnihotri, Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India; Mr. Samir Wanmali, WFP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific; Ms. Elisabeth Faure, Country Director of WFP India; and senior officials from the DFPD.
