Dmitry Patrushev, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister overseeing agriculture, is scheduled to visit New Delhi this month with the primary goal of increasing fertiliser exports to India. This visit underscores the strengthening economic ties between Moscow and New Delhi, especially after Western sanctions have led India to become a key destination for Russian fertiliser exports.

The focus on enhanced fertiliser supplies is particularly significant given the recent surge in Russian fertiliser exports to India. In the first half of 2025, these exports jumped by 20%, reaching 2.5 million tonnes. This increase has elevated Russia's share in India's total fertiliser imports to an unprecedented 33%, meaning that one in every three tonnes of fertiliser imported by India now comes from Russia. The growth is mainly attributed to increased supplies of phosphorus-containing fertilisers, which are crucial for boosting crop yields in India, where agriculture supports nearly half the population.

Andrey Guryev, head of the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association (RAFP), has emphasized Russia's role as a major global supplier of complex NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilisers. Russian producers now command an 89% share of India's NPK imports. Guryev also noted that India has become the leading country in terms of the growth dynamics of Russian fertiliser supplies, thanks to the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations. This partnership has not only ensured stable supplies but has also helped India to mitigate global price volatility, benefiting its farmers during the critical Kharif season.

In addition to fertiliser exports, Patrushev's agenda includes discussions on importing shrimps from India. Indian shrimp exports to the USA have been significantly impacted by tariffs, with duties, including anti-subsidy and anti-dumping duties, potentially resulting in a total tariff rate of over 58%. This has made the Russian market a potentially lucrative alternative for Indian shrimp exporters. Patrushev's visit is expected to help refine a bilateral strategy for exporting shrimps to Russia, providing relief to Indian exporters facing challenges in the US market.

During his trip, Dmitry Patrushev, son of former Russian NSA Nikolay Patrushev, is also expected to engage with key Indian ministers to further trade ties, with a specific focus on Indian exports to Russia. Patrushev's specialization in agricultural issues for nearly a decade positions him well to advance discussions on these matters.