India has taken another step towards strengthening global food security with the signing of a long-term rice supply agreement between the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support international humanitarian operations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi on 18 February 2026 by Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of FCI, and Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Under the agreement, FCI will supply up to 200,000 metric tonnes of rice — including rice with up to 25 per cent broken content — to the WFP over a period of five years.
The MoU will remain valid for five years and can be extended by mutual consent. Pricing of the rice supplies will be reviewed annually, with the current rate fixed at Rs 2,800 per quintal until 31 March 2026.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, said the partnership reflects India’s commitment to “exporting hope, nutrition and dignity” to vulnerable populations across the world. He noted that the agreement reinforces the country’s resolve to ensure that no one goes hungry and highlights India’s broader efforts to combat malnutrition and food insecurity through global cooperation.
Carl Skau termed the agreement a significant milestone in the global fight against hunger, stating that India’s support would enable the WFP to reach at-risk communities more efficiently in the years ahead. He described India as a leading agricultural nation whose contributions are vital to achieving the United Nations’ Zero Hunger objectives.
The new agreement further deepens strategic cooperation between India and the World Food Programme, reaffirming India’s position as a dependable partner in global food systems and humanitarian relief initiatives.