Vikas Khanna urges Indian exporters to tap US market, says India can reach $50 billion in food exports

Highlights:

MICHELIN-starred chef Vikas Khanna has urged Indian exporters and entrepreneurs to use the India-US Trade Facilitation Portal to expand their businesses in the American market, saying India has the potential to export $50 billion worth of food to the US.

Khanna has partnered with the India-US Trade Facilitation Portal, an initiative designed to connect Indian exporters and entrepreneurs with business opportunities, sourcing partners and major retail and distribution platforms in the US.

The platform aims to increase commercial engagement between businesses in the two countries, support bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties.

Speaking about the partnership, Khanna said the initiative goes beyond trade and offers Indian businesses an opportunity to take their products to global markets.

“For me, this has never been just about food. Every Indian product that reaches the world carries the dreams of our farmers, the dedication of our entrepreneurs, and the soul of our culture,” he said.

“My dream is to see India export $50bn worth of food to the United States – not simply as a trade milestone, but as a celebration of India’s heritage, innovation, and excellence.”

Khanna, who was named among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people this year, said the portal would help businesses showcase their products, find trusted sourcing partners and learn from global companies.

Recalling his early experiences in the US, Khanna said Indian businesses now have a much stronger international presence than before.

“There was a time when I would go to trade shows in the US and often be the only Indian on the platform,” he said.

“But times are changing. We are seeing the footprint of India expand throughout the Western world. It could be cuisine, culture, values, innovation or products.”

Khanna described the India-US Trade Facilitation Portal as more than just a digital platform.

“Indian exporters in all sectors, including in the food sector, can showcase their products through virtual exhibitions, connect with trusted sourcing partners and use AI-powered recommendations to discover the right opportunities for them,” he said.

He also highlighted the opportunity for exporters to learn how to bring their products to major US retailers.

“I’ve been working with them for years and that is the right platform,” Khanna said, referring to companies such as Amazon, Costco and Walmart.

He encouraged exporters, startups and businesses to register on the portal, saying, “It is time for us to use these platforms to bring our culture, our artisans, our values to the world.”

The India-US Trade Facilitation Portal was launched in April by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during his visit to Washington DC at an event organized by the Consulate General of India in New York.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the portal has been developed to strengthen trade and business engagement by increasing interaction among businesses, investors, institutions and other stakeholders in both countries.

It is also intended to improve the ease of doing business, support MSMEs and startups, unlock new trade opportunities and help India and the US work toward their goal of achieving $500bn in bilateral trade by 2030.

Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan said the platform would help Indian businesses expand globally.

“The India-USA Trade Facilitation Portal will empower Indian businesses to access global markets, strengthen bilateral trade, and advance India’s ambition of becoming a global leader in food exports,” Pradhan said.

He described Khanna as one of India’s finest ambassadors, saying he has built bridges between India and the world through food and that his journey reflects the “confidence, excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit of a rising India.”

A statement issued on Wednesday said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening India-US trade.