A Russian will arrive in India today to explore agricultural exports from India to Russia. Photo: PTI

A Russian business delegation will arrive in India today to explore agricultural exports from India to Russia.

The delegation’s four-day visit is a sign of expanding bilateral ties between India and Russia as the latter has turned eastward following the imposition of   by much of Europe and the United States. The visit also comes on the back of trade talks that broached the possibility of an India-Russia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which would negatively impact India’s relationships with the U.S. and Europe. Russia is seeking to import a wide range of products including tea, sugar, coffee, dairy, meat, and marine products – but Moscow has indicated that it has need of over 500 categories of products, including auto parts and industrial equipment to keep its economy running, but not necessarily from India. It is unclear if India is willing and able to trade in these goods. India has not condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling instead for a cessation of hostilities by all parties.

Expect that India and Russia will sign an agricultural export agreement after this visit. Expect also, in light of the growing New Delhi-Moscow ties, that FTA talks will begin, potentially as soon as this year.