The Indian government and the World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday announced a significant milestone in their collaboration aimed at addressing the global hunger crisis by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI).

Under this initiative, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, offers WFP the opportunity to supply fortified rice from India, aiding in fulfilling the food and nutritional requirements of the most vulnerable populations in crisis zones globally.

"This collaboration underscores the strength of global partnerships," read a government statement.

By sourcing rice from India, WFP will utilise the resources of an agricultural surplus nation to deliver life-saving aid and make tangible progress against hunger.

“India is committed to the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the earth is one family – and collective responsibility towards each other and their shared future. The country’s humanitarian support for communities in need, facing food insecurity is part of this approach,” said Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, DFPD, Government of India.

"We deeply appreciate India’s steadfast commitment to fostering a food-secure and peaceful world," said Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director, WFP. "This partnership reflects our joint intent to strengthen global efforts and ensure sustained support for those in need," he added.

Expressing gratitude, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director lauded India’s contribution to the fight against hunger, especially as the world faces rising food insecurity amid constrained humanitarian funding.

The initiative signifies the culmination of the discussions at the February 2025 Executive Board side event in Rome, where representatives from the Indian government and WFP explored ways to collaborate.

This LoI lays the ground to ensure a dependable supply of Food grains for humanitarian distribution.

Other ongoing collaborative efforts with WFP such as Supply Chain Optimization (Distribution / Procurement), Fortified Rice Rollout, Annapurti Devices (Grain ATMs), Jan Poshan Kendra, Smart Warehousing technology and Flospans (Mobile Storage Units) were deliberated along with the potential areas for future collaboration.

Also present were Ashutosh Agnihotri, Chairman and Managing Director, Food Corporation of India; Samir Wanmali, WFP APARO, Regional Director; Elisabeth Faure, WFP India, Country Director and other senior officers of the DFPD, Government of India.