Kolkata: Facing sanctions from the European Union (EU) and the US, Russia is looking at Indian exports to meet the country's victual demands, an official said Friday.
"Because Russia is facing sanctions from the EU and the US, their (provisions) market is empty... They are looking for other partners who can supply," Export Inspection Council Director S.K. Saxena told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the All India Food Processors Association.
Saxena said the supply of meat and dairy products from India will soon reach the Russian markets. Fruits and vegetables will also be added to the agro export list.
"The Russian market has opened up for our dairy and meat products, particularly buffalo meat," Saxena added.
"Russia is looking for cheese. Our production is hardly 15 tonnes. Russia is looking for 50 tonnes. Last month, we had a meeting with the dairy owners about how we can increase cheese production to meet the demand," he said.
Russia has been insisting on stricter animal health norms which India had been finding difficult.
Indian exports to Russia grew by 29.1 percent in 2012-13 to touch $2.3 billion and the trade has accounted for $528.54 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.
"There is an export-import gap of $100 billion and the government is taking steps to address it," Saxena said.
The two countries have set up the India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment in February 2007 to promote trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Russia has been a strategic partner for India and has numerous defence, space and nuclear cooperation deals.
