NEW DELHI, January 23 (Sputnik) — Sanctions imposed against Moscow by the West have boosted Russian-Indian trade, with four Indian companies discussing the contracts on buffalo meat supply to Russia, Yaroslav Tarasyuk, Russia's trade representative in India told RIA Novosti Friday.
"Sanctions have intensified Russian-Indian cooperation in the supply of food products, spurring primarily the interest of Indian milk and meat producers," Tarasyuk said.
The trade representative added that four Indian companies that produce buffalo meat are currently discussing delivery contracts with Russia.
India is one of the world's largest meat exporters, supplying meat products to 65 countries. In 2013, India exported 1.4 million tons of meat worth $4.8 billion. India does not supply meat products to Russia as of today.
In August 2014, Moscow introduced a one-year ban on the import of certain food products from the United States, the European Union and other countries that earlier imposed economic sanctions against Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. The import ban includes meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy, fruit and vegetables.
