India, Russia Strengthen Agri Cooperation; ICAR Signs MoU with Russian Animal Health Agency

New Delhi, December 5 : Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a bilateral meeting with Russia’s Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Ms. Oxana Lut, at Krishi Bhawan on 4 December 2025 to review ongoing cooperation and identify new areas of collaboration in the agriculture sector.

Both leaders reaffirmed that India–Russia ties remain rooted in trust and long-standing partnership. Shri Chouhan highlighted the steady rise in bilateral agricultural trade, currently valued at around USD 3.5 billion, while calling for more balanced trade. He also thanked Russia for resolving pending market access issues concerning Indian potatoes, pomegranates and seeds.

The two sides discussed expanding agricultural commodity trade, particularly in food grains and horticulture products. A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICAR and the Federal Center for Animal Health of Russia to boost cooperation in research, innovation and capacity building.

Shri Chouhan invited Russia to participate in the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting to be hosted by India next year. Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in fertilizers, seeds, market access, joint research and other priority areas. Minister Oxana Lut expressed strong interest in further enhancing agricultural engagement.

The Russian delegation included Deputy Ministers Mr. Maxim Markovich and Ms. Marina Afonina, FSVPS Head Mr. Sergey Dankvert and Ms. Daria Koroleva, Director, Asia Division. The Indian side was represented by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; DARE Secretary Shri M. L. Jat; Department of Fertilizer Secretary Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra; officials from MEA; and senior officers of the Agriculture Ministry.