Russia

Sber, Russia’s largest lender, has unveiled a rupee-denominated letter of credit designed to streamline payments for Indian suppliers exporting goods to Russian buyers. The new facility enables Indian exporters to receive prompt payment in Indian rupees once shipping documents are submitted, while Russian importers are granted deferred-payment terms that ease their cash-flow cycles. By reducing foreign-exchange exposure and providing a stable settlement framework, the initiative is expected to strengthen trade confidence and broaden commercial ties between the two countries.

Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), India’s largest private-sector refiner, has confirmed it will fully comply with U.S. sanctions governing the purchase of Russian crude oil. The company’s decision reflects its commitment to adhering to international trade norms while maintaining uninterrupted operations at its Jamnagar refinery, one of the largest refining complexes globally. This compliance stance comes amid tightening Western restrictions on Russia’s energy exports, designed to limit Moscow’s oil revenue.

India and Russia have initiated high-level discussions to expand bilateral agricultural trade, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation and diversify food supply chains. The dialogue focuses on increasing the export and import of key commodities, enhancing investment in agro-processing, and exploring technological collaboration in agriculture. Both nations emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in sectors such as grains, pulses, dairy, and farm machinery.