India was on Thursday elected Chairman of International Sugar Council. This is an apex organisation of 88 countries dealing with development of sugar sector in the world. The International Sugar Council undertakes a number of activities in different parts of the world with a view to giving economic boost to the sugar sector. An official release said that during its 40th meeting held in London, the Council unanimously elected Dr B C Gupta, Union Food Secretary, as its next Chairman. His name was proposed by the European Union (EU) and seconded by Mauritius. The Fiji Prime Minister was elected Vice chairman of the Council.

Addressing the Council meeting in London, just after the election, Dr Gupta stated that his top priority will be further development and stabilisation of sugar sector. He said election of India as Chairman of International Sugar Council is recognition of India as a leading country in the sugar sector having production of 350 million tons of sugarcane and about 25 million tons of sugar. India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world after Brazil and the biggest consumer of sugar.

The next meeting of the Council will be held in New Delhi in April next year.