Русский
India has exported record amounts of Indian meats to Russia, with exports 2.6x higher than last year. From January-July 2025, Russian meat purchases from India reached US$62.8 million. The Russian market is now one of the top five global importers of Indian meat.
This is due to a huge increase in Indian buffalo meat exports to Russia, which exceeded previous figures by 33 times. The cow is a sacred animal in India, and it is forbidden to be killed or eaten amongst several Indian religions. Instead, what is often referred to as ‘beef’ in India is actually buffalo meat, which is very similar. In India, it is typically used in slowly cooked curries, and in Russia is suitable for stews and similar slowly cooked dishes such as Borscht. India is the largest global exporter of buffalo meat and additionally exported Poultry items to Russia.
The Russia-India bilateral trade growth is continuing to develop. In 2024, it exceeded US$70.6 billion with a growth rate of 9.2% over the previous year.
During H1 2025, according to ACRA estimates, Russian beef production decreased by 3.5%, which led to supply shortages on the domestic market. At the same time, an increase in the cost of production resulted in local beef prices increasing by more than 10%, which stimulated an increase in imports of alternative sources, including Indian buffalo meat, which is also competitively priced.
In Russia, the dynamics of beef price is determined by feed prices, livestock maintenance costs (veterinary drugs, housing and communal services) and employee salaries.
According to the Russian Association of Meat Processors, Russians began to consume more meat, from 73.2 kg per capita in 2014 to 83.65 kg in 2024. However, beef consumption has been falling. In 2024, Russians consumed an average of 13.48 kg of meat, compared to 15.8 kg in 2014.
Meanwhile, beef – including buffalo beef – is a valuable meat product. According to the Association, it contains a lot of nutrients that the body needs. Protein, amino acids, potassium, phosphorus, potassium, fluorine, B vitamins. This type of meat is good for the circulatory system and muscles (especially if recovery is required). Such meat is especially useful for those prone to anaemia, as iron is absorbed into the blood more effectively than from plant sources.
Russia’s Pivot To Asia over the years has had considerable experience in consuming Indian Buffalo Meat. It is almost identical to beef but may require a longer cooking time to get the best succulence out of the product. It can also be marinaded to soften it and is best used in stews and similar dishes. For steaks we would continue to recommend beef.
Further Reading
Russia Becomes Top Five Source Of Agricultural Products To India
