In a significant shift toward market diversification, Russian grain and pulse exporters are aggressively pursuing direct, long-term relationships with Indian buyers. The executive director of the Russian Union of Grain Exporters, Ksenia Bolomatova, emphasized this strategy during a recent business mission in New Delhi, stating, “We are interested in building long-term, direct relations with Indian buyers.” The mission, involving over 30 Russian agribusinesses and 40 Indian companies and officials, highlights the strategic importance both nations are placing on this agricultural partnership.
The Russian proposition is backed by a substantial and growing production base for pulses. Bolomatova reported that Russia’s harvest of legumes has increased by more than 1.5 times over the past five years, reaching almost 6 million tons in 2023 and over 5.3 million tons in 2024. For 2025, the Union expects a harvest at least on par with the 2023 level, with some independent market experts forecasting a record 7 million tons.
This production surge is already being channeled toward India. While shipments began relatively recently, the volume has been significant. In the past year alone, Russian exports to India included over 800,000 tons of peas and 40,000 tons of chickpeas. To secure and expand this trade, Bolomatova proposed the establishment of duty-free quotas for yellow peas, chickpeas, and lentils, a measure that would provide predictability for Russian producers while protecting the interests of Indian farmers.
The initiative received a positive response from the Indian side. Satish Upadhyay, General Secretary of the Indian Grain and Legume Association, acknowledged the mutual interest, noting that India is a major pulse consumer with annual requirements of approximately 5 million tons. Further reinforcing the collaborative spirit, a representative from Aditya Birla Global Trading expressed a goal to expand cooperation and suggested the creation of “green corridors” to streamline the trade of agri-food products between the two nations.
Russia’s concerted push into the Indian pulse market represents a strategic and well-timed alignment of supply and demand. By leveraging its rapidly expanding production capacity and proactively seeking to remove trade barriers, Russia is positioning itself as a reliable, long-term competitor to traditional suppliers like Canada and Australia. For agricultural professionals, this development underscores the increasing globalization of the pulse market and the critical role that government-facilitated trade diplomacy plays in opening new avenues for agricultural exports. The success of this venture will depend on navigating tariff structures, ensuring consistent quality, and building the logistical “green corridors” necessary for a seamless partnership.
Error
