Russia, India interested in direct, long-term contracts for trade of legumes

MOSCOW. Sept 22 (Interfax) - Prospects for exporting legumes from Russia to India largely revolve around direct and long-term contracts.

The Agroexport federal center said that this had been stated at a meeting with the leadership of the Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) on Tuesday in Moscow.

IPGA head Bimal Kothari is quoted as saying in the press release that India is the world's biggest importer of legumes and is expected to remain in this position in the near future. "As of today, our demand is estimated at 32 million tonnes per year, of which around 6 million tonnes is imported. According to forecasts by government agencies, consumption will amount to 38-40 million tonnes by 2030. That means that another 8 million tonnes of imports will be necessary over the next four to five years. Legumes are of huge significance for our population," he said. He said that India was interested in forming long-term trade relations with foreign suppliers such as Russia.

Agroexport head Ilya Ilyushin said that a growth in the production of legumes over recent years had allowed Russia to become an important global exporter of the grain. "At the same time, we can see further potential for increasing these exports to India. I am sure that a clearer understanding of demand and the establishment of long-term direct contact with Indian colleagues will help production in Russia to grow further and allow the needs of the Indian market to be met," he said.

Ksenia Bolomatova, head of the Russian Grain Association, said at the meeting that Russia had exported 185,000 tonnes of legumes to India in 2026. "There is significant potential for increasing export volumes. Russian exporters are interested in expanding cooperation with partners from India," she said.