In a significant boost to India’s agricultural sector, Russia has ramped up its fertiliser exports to the country by 20% in the first half of 2025, reaching a staggering 2.5 million tonnes, according to Andrey Guryev, head of the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association (RAFP). This surge has elevated Russia’s share in India’s total fertiliser imports to an unprecedented 33%, meaning one in every three tonnes of fertiliser imported by India now originates from Russia, as reported by Russia’s state-run news agency TASS on August 29, 2025.

The increase is largely driven by a spike in phosphorus-containing fertilisers, critical for enhancing crop yields in India, where agriculture supports nearly half the population. Guryev highlighted that Russia’s role as a key global supplier of complex NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilisers has solidified, with domestic producers commanding an 89% share of India’s NPK imports. This growth underscores the strengthening economic ties between Moscow and New Delhi, particularly after Western sanctions prompted India to emerge as a leading destination for Russian fertiliser exports.

Russian producers have exceeded expectations, supplying 1.5 million tonnes of fertilisers to Indian farmers between December 2024 and February 2025 alone, surpassing demand targets by 1.5 times. “India, as a country friendly to Russia, has become the leader in the growth dynamics of our fertiliser supplies,” Guryev noted, crediting the robust bilateral relationship. This strategic partnership has not only ensured stable supplies but also helped India mitigate global price volatility, benefiting its farmers during the critical kharif season.

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The surge in exports aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to secure reliable fertiliser sources amid geopolitical challenges. Russia’s ability to provide cost-effective supplies, despite a proposed 23.5% export duty that could raise import costs by $70 per tonne, has been pivotal. As India aims to reduce its fertiliser subsidy bill, estimated at ₹2.5 lakh crore for FY24, this deepened collaboration with Russia offers a buffer against global market fluctuations, ensuring food security and agricultural productivity.

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