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Kuala Lumpur: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad is set to lead an official trade mission to India from September 27 to October 1, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) announced.
Coordinated by MPOC, the mission aims to deepen industry engagement, expand commercial cooperation and reinforce Malaysia's position as a reliable supplier of sustainable palm oil and value-added palm-based products to the Indian market. The programme will also include engagement with relevant government representatives to support broader bilateral cooperation.
India has remained Malaysia's largest palm oil export market for 13 consecutive years. In 2025, Malaysia exported 2.94 million tonnes of palm oil and palm-based products to India, valued at RM14.15 billion. Palm oil represents approximately 51% of India's edible oil imports and 34% of its total edible oil consumption, making it the country's leading edible oil and a critical contributor to its food security.
MPOC CEO Belvinder Kaur Sron said India remained central to the Malaysian palm oil industry's long-term market development strategy.
'Our trade relationship with India is long-standing, and the commercial links between both industries are strong. Malaysian palm oil exports to India increased by 40.4% to 2.26 million tonnes during the first eight months of 2026, while Malaysia's share of India's palm oil imports rose to 39.2%. This reflects the continued confidence of Indian buyers in the quality, reliability and sustainability of Malaysian palm oil. The mission will build on this momentum and identify new opportunities across oleochemicals, specialty fats and other higher-value palm-based applications,' Sron said.
Covering Bengaluru and Mumbai, the programme will include meetings with government representatives, leading companies, industry associations and technology providers. In Bengaluru, the minister is scheduled to meet the government of Karnataka and leading Indian food, consumer goods and agri-technology companies. Discussions will explore opportunities in palm oil supply, downstream applications, sustainable sourcing, oil palm development, digital agriculture and closer links between Malaysian suppliers and Indian manufacturers.
In Mumbai, the minister will deliver a keynote address at Globoil India 2026 on September 30, a leading oils and fats conference attended by about 1,500 participants. She will also meet the Solvent Extractors' Association of India and industry leaders to discuss market developments, supply requirements and long-term cooperation.
The mission is expected to provide greater insight into India's evolving market requirements, strengthen business-to-business connections and establish a basis for practical follow-up between Malaysian suppliers and Indian partners.
Source: The Sun Daily