Outgoing United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in India, Takayuki Hagiwara, called on Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, in New Delhi on Friday, 17 July, marking a formal farewell ahead of his departure from the role.

What Was Discussed

The meeting was a courtesy farewell call. Sibi George acknowledged Hagiwara's tenure and expressed appreciation for his contributions to FAO's programmes and activities in India. The MEA stated: 'Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, outgoing UN FAO Representative in India had a farewell meeting with Secretary (West) Sibi George. Secretary (West) appreciated his services and contributions to FAO's activities in India. He also wished him success and good health in his future endeavours.'

Hagiwara's Tenure and Background

Takayuki Hagiwara joined the FAO in 2003 and has served as a natural resources management specialist for over 25 years. Before assuming the role of FAO Representative in India, he served as the Regional Programme Leader at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. His tenure in India has spanned a period of significant agricultural policy activity, including India's push for millet promotion and digital public infrastructure.

India-FAO Ties: Recent Milestones

The farewell comes against the backdrop of strengthening ties between India and the FAO. In May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal — the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation — at a ceremony held at the FAO Headquarters. The medal was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the historic FAO Plenary Hall.

Qu Dongyu stated that the honour recognised Modi's commitment to improving welfare through initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and improving the lives of farmers. He also acknowledged India's support for FAO's efforts to combat hunger and poverty and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Scale of India's Agricultural Programmes

The FAO chief highlighted the breadth of India's food and agriculture programmes, including a food-based social safety net covering around 800 million people since the Covid-19 pandemic, and direct income support extended to over 110 million farmers. He also praised India's push for regenerative and natural farming, and its efforts to promote nutrient-rich millets globally through the International Year of Millets initiative in partnership with the FAO.

Qu Dongyu additionally lauded India's emphasis on digital public infrastructure during its G20 Presidency, describing it as a significant step towards improving access to digital technologies in developing countries. According to the FAO chief, these sustained initiatives have contributed significantly to lifting millions of people out of poverty in India.

What Comes Next

With Hagiwara's departure, the FAO is expected to name a new representative for India. The transition comes at a time when India-FAO collaboration is at an institutional high, and the incoming representative will inherit a relationship shaped by landmark agricultural and food security milestones.