India and Russia are looking to expand their cooperation in trade and education in the agriculture sector by removing some bottlenecks, but given the resistance to move forward with suitable reforms, it may take time to reach some agreements.
As Russia has been insisting on earmarking a pest-free zone for enabling more exports, India has been arguing it should be based on testing of products for pests. Several agri products like potato, pomegranate, fisheries and dairy items have been identified by India where there is scope for expansion. The Russian side wants exports of products only from pest-free zones, so that those are better monitored, the sources said.
