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India Opens FTA Talks With Russia-Led Eurasian Economic Union

The talks follow an 18-month roadmap to diversify export markets for MSMEs, farmers, fishermen.

Overview

  • Negotiators convened in New Delhi on November 26 after India and the bloc signed Terms of Reference on August 20.
  • The five-member EAEU includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
  • India's trade with the bloc is concentrated in Russia, totaling $68.72 billion in 2024–25, driven by $63.84 billion of crude oil imports.
  • Officials framed the initiative as a move to broaden export destinations in response to higher U.S. tariffs.
  • India is also exploring a pact with SACU, advancing a second phase with Mercosur, and planning virtual early-harvest talks with Israel focused on agriculture technology, innovation, mobility and services.