India and Russia have discussed deepening their agricultural trade ties in a meeting between India’s agriculture minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Russian deputy prime minister, Dmitry Patrushev, on Friday.
Patrushev is currently on a visit to India as part of preparations for the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India in December.
During the meeting at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, the leaders focused on talks of expanding India’s exports of agricultural products to Russia to enhance agricultural trade between the two nations.
The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture and formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding.
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"The exemplary level of mutual trust and understanding characterises the longstanding partnership between India and Russia," Chouhan said, invoking the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which translates to ‘the world is one family’ to underscore the importance of international collaboration for farmers' welfare and food security.
The minister also emphasised on India's priority of ensuring food security, enhancing farmer incomes, and promoting access to safe and nutritious food, the agriculture ministry said in a statement.
Patrushev, meanwhile, highlighted the robust cooperation between the two countries across sectors, including agriculture, and conveyed Russia's keen interest in deepening agricultural trade ties.
Besides balancing bilateral trade and strengthening technical partnerships, India highlighted the importance of improved market access for key agricultural products in Russia and expressed optimism for resolving outstanding issues.
Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in academic exchanges and scholarship opportunities for students, while exploring joint initiatives in seed traceability systems to promote innovation and technology-driven agricultural solutions.
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