Russia received its first shipment of bananas from India in January, and another shipment is expected at the end of February. The Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said that "the volume of exports of Indian bananas to the Russian market will increase," indicating a rising demand for Indian bananas in Russia. India, known for producing a significant amount of bananas, has expressed a desire to export other fruits to Russia, including papaya, guava, mangoes, and pineapples.
Putin noted the domestic political calendar in India is “difficult and complex” next year the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place – but expressed the hope that irrespective of the alignment of political forces, traditional friendly ties between the people of the two countries will remain