'Time to expand investment in India': PM Modi at World Food India urges global players to tap country's diversity, demand, scale

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the World Food India 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today, said India has the triple strength of diversity, demand and scale because of which it is continuously contributing to the global food security. The PM said that as India continues to innovate in the food sector, it’s the right time for global players to expand in the country. 

“In the last 10 years, 25 crore people in India have overcome poverty. Today, India is the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem, with many start-ups working in the food and agriculture sectors,” the Prime Minister said, adding that all of these people have now become part of the neo-middle class. 

He added that this neo-middle class is the country's most energetic and aspirational class. “The aspirations of so many people will set our food trends. It is this aspiring class that is driving our demand.” 

The Prime Minister said that as India scales new heights in tech and innovation, AI, e-commerce, drones, and apps are being integrated into the food sector. “These startups are transforming supply chains, retail, and processing methods. All of these factors make India a highly attractive investment destination. Therefore, I will repeat what I said from the Red Fort: this is the time to expand investment in India."

At the World Food India, the PM said India has now become an event of new contacts, new connections, and creativity, where investors in the food sector are looking towards India with great hope. “Every grain, every fruit, and every vegetable is grown in India. Due to this diversity, India is the most special in the world. In India, food flavours change every 100 kilometres. The immense demand for diverse cuisines makes India attractive for investors,” says the PM.

He added that in today’s India, small farmers are also becoming a major force in the market. “In India, cooperatives are also giving our dairy sector and our rural economy a new strength.”

The PM also talked about India’s role in contributing to global food security. “In the 21st century, the world is facing many challenges, and whenever the world has faced challenges, India has stepped forward and played its positive role. India is continuously contributing to global food security.”

He said in the last decade, there has been a significant increase in India's grain production, and today, the country is the world's largest milk producer, contributing 25% to global milk production. “We are also the largest producers of millets. In rice and wheat production, we are in second place in the world. India also makes a significant contribution to fruits, vegetables, and fisheries. Our government is actively promoting the food processing sector,” the Prime Minister said.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development works worth over Rs 1,22,100 crore in Banswara, Rajasthan. Talking about the recent GST reforms, the Prime Minister said that most everyday items have become more affordable after the GST cut. “Amid the GST Savings Festival, we should not forget the goal of a Self-Reliant India. The mantra of swadeshi must not be forgotten,” PM Modi said.