In a significant step toward strengthening agricultural cooperation, India’s Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a bilateral meeting with the Russian Federation’s Minister of Agriculture, Oksana Luth, on 4 December 2025 at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The two leaders reviewed ongoing collaboration and outlined a forward-looking agenda to enhance bilateral engagement in key agricultural domains.
Both ministers emphasized that India-Russia relations are rooted in mutual trust, longstanding friendship, and strategic cooperation. Highlighting the robust growth in bilateral agricultural trade—currently valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion—Minister Chouhan underlined the need for more balanced trade. He expressed appreciation to the Russian side for resolving long-pending issues related to the export of Indian potatoes, pomegranates, and seeds, enabling smoother market access and paving the way for expanded commercial opportunities.
To explore new avenues for agricultural commodities, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the export of Indian food grains and horticultural products. Discussions focused on unlocking export potential, addressing technical barriers, and fostering mechanisms that would facilitate steady and predictable market access.
A major outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Russia’s Federal Center for Animal Health. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research, innovation, animal health, and capacity building, marking a new chapter in scientific partnership between the two countries.
Minister Chouhan also extended an invitation to Russia to participate in the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting to be hosted by India next year. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in fertilizers, seeds, market access, and joint research, with a shared focus on innovation and farmer-centric development.
Minister Oksana Luth expressed strong interest in further expanding trade and technical cooperation in the agricultural sector. The Russian delegation included Deputy Ministers Maxim Markovich and Marina Afonina, FSVPS Head Sergei Dankvert, and Daria Koroleva, Director of the Asia Division. India was represented by senior officials from the agriculture, research, fertilizers, and foreign affairs ministries.
The meeting concluded with mutual commitment to accelerating cooperation that supports sustainable agriculture and benefits farmers in both nations.
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