A delegation from the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) will attend ‘Soy Connext 2026’ in Chicago from August 5 to 7, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The event, hosted by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), brings the global soy industry together, drawing hundreds of leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, open markets and plan for the business ahead, the report said.
Delegation scope and agenda
According to the report, the delegation is expected to engage with leading U.S. soybean industry stakeholders and participate in discussions on:
- Global soybean supply, demand and market signals
- The 2026 U.S. soybean crop
- Sustainability
- Food security
- Consumer trends
- The evolving role of soy in the global food landscape
The visit is more than a business visit, the report said, describing it as an opportunity to build bridges between two major agricultural economies.
Leadership on India-US soy ties
Quoting SEA President Sanjeev Asthana, a media statement said:
The primary aim is to explore win-win opportunities that can deliver greater value to farmers, industry and consumers in both countries.
Asthana said the US tour is an opportunity to build bridges between two major agricultural economies and explore how technology, innovation, sustainability and trade can work together, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said the delegation would use the US tour to gain deeper insights into the global soybean market and explore opportunities for stronger India-US engagement. Mehta added that the focus is not only on trade but on creating long-term value for the entire agri-food chain, according to the report.
Delegate roster
The SEA delegation includes eight representatives spanning edible oil, animal feed and agri-business, according to the report:
| Name | Role | Company / Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Sanjeev Asthana | President | Solvent Extractors’ Association of India |
| BV Mehta | Executive Director | Solvent Extractors’ Association of India |
| Angshu Mallick | Executive Deputy Chairman | AWL Agri Business Ltd |
| Vidya Bhushan | Head – Edible Oils | Bunge India Pvt Ltd |
| Garima Jain | Director | Waseda Global Pvt Ltd |
| Pradeep Krishna Chandrasekar | Managing Director | SKM Animal Feeds and Foods (I) Pvt Ltd |
| Kanubhai J Thakkar | Managing Director | Gokul Agro Resources Ltd |
| Saurab Mehta | Joint Managing Director | Kriti Nutrients Ltd |
Event timing and market context
Soy Connext 2026 is scheduled for August 5–7 in Chicago, with the delegation announced on August 3, 2026, according to the report. The agenda covers the 2026 U.S. soybean crop alongside global supply, demand and market signals, making the event a focal point for stakeholders tracking soybean trade between the U.S. and India. The delegation includes senior executives from companies such as Bunge India Pvt Ltd, AWL Agri Business Ltd, Gokul Agro Resources Ltd, Kriti Nutrients Ltd, SKM Animal Feeds and Foods (I) Pvt Ltd and Waseda Global Pvt Ltd, the report said.
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