India continues to expand its global rice footprint, supplying premium Basmati and non-Basmati varieties to major markets across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Moreover, Russia has emerged as a fast-growing and reliable buyer of Indian rice, driven by rising household consumption and limited local production. As a result, exporters planning to export rice from India are increasingly prioritizing the Russian market for long-term growth.
This guide explains how to export rice from India to Russia, covering compliance, documentation, shipping routes, buyer sourcing, and pricing strategies. Therefore, exporters looking to strengthen their presence in Eastern Europe will find Russia a high-potential destination in 2025.
Russia relies heavily on imports to meet its rice demand. Domestic production remains limited due to climate conditions, creating strong demand for high-quality and affordable imports. Furthermore, the demand for Indian Basmati rice in the Russian market has grown significantly, especially among restaurants, retail hypermarkets, and online grocery chains.
At the same time, parboiled and long-grain non-Basmati varieties remain popular among cost-conscious consumers. Consequently, cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Krasnodar continue to show rising consumption, making Russia a major opportunity for exporters planning to export rice from India to Russia.
Indian exporters supply a diverse selection of rice varieties to Russia, meeting retail, bulk, and wholesale requirements.
| Category | Varieties | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 1121 Steam, 1401 Sella, Traditional Basmati | Long-grain, aromatic, premium-quality |
| Non-Basmati Rice | IR64 Parboiled, Sona Masoori, Ponni | Affordable, consistent texture, ideal for mass market |
| Premium Segments | Sugandha, Sharbati | Balanced aroma, mid-range pricing |
Russia shows a clear preference for long-grain, parboiled, and aromatic varieties, making Basmati rice export from India to Russia a profitable category.
To export successfully, exporters must follow both Indian and Russian regulatory frameworks.
Indian Export Compliance
Russian Import Compliance
A complete set of export documents ensures smooth clearance at both Indian and Russian ports.
These documents establish product authenticity, safety, quality, and compliance with Russian import laws.
Sea freight is the most cost-effective method for exporting rice to Russia due to large volumes and competitive freight rates.
| Port of Origin (India) | Port of Destination (Russia) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mundra Port | St. Petersburg | 22–28 days |
| Nhava Sheva | Novorossiysk | 25–30 days |
| Chennai / Tuticorin | Vladivostok | 18–22 days |
These logistics practices mirror standards followed in competitive markets like Europe and the Middle East.
The cost to export rice from India to Russia depends on multiple factors:
Successful exporters maintain competitiveness by analysing global trends and pricing strategies used by the top 10 rice exporting countries while adapting to Russia’s market needs.
Russia enforces strict quality and packaging norms, making consistency crucial.
Quality Standards
Packaging Requirements
Strong packaging maintains grain quality during long transit periods.
Entering the Russian market becomes easier with the right strategy and connections.
Best Ways to Find Buyers
Preferred Payment Terms
Clear contracts ensure smooth business relationships.
Common Challenges
Mitigation Strategies
With the right planning, these risks can be minimized effectively.
Russia presents a strong and fast-growing opportunity for Indian exporters aiming to expand their global market presence. By focusing on compliance, quality consistency, strong packaging, and reliable logistics, exporters can confidently grow their business in 2025.
At Shah Enterprises Fbd Pvt. Ltd., we specialize in supplying premium Basmati and non-Basmati varieties to the Russian market. As one of the top 10 rice exporters in India, we help global buyers access high-quality rice with reliable delivery and competitive pricing.
If you’re planning to export rice from India to Russia, partner with Shah Enterprises your trusted Indian rice exporter offering quality, consistency, and long-term business support.
Shah Enterprises delivers premium Basmati and Non-Basmati rice to Afghanistan with competitive pricing, fast loading, and reliable export support.
Yes. Russia imports rice from India, mainly non-basmati and parboiled varieties. India has become one of Russia’s key rice suppliers due to competitive pricing, stable quality, and strong demand in the Russian food retail and HoReCa sectors.
The price of 1kg rice in Russia usually ranges between ₹90 to ₹180, depending on quality, packaging, and origin. Indian parboiled and long-grain rice stay in high demand because they are cheaper than many local and Thai varieties.
Yes, exporting rice from India is legal, but subject to government regulations. India allows export of basmati rice freely, while some categories of non-basmati rice may require APEDA registration and specific export policies depending on the year.
Yes, rice export from India is profitable, especially for basmati, Sella, and parboiled rice. High global demand, strong Indian supply, and competitive production costs make rice one of India’s most profitable agri-export businesses.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Benin, and Bangladesh are the biggest importers of rice from India. Many buyers from these countries source regularly through trusted rice suppliers in India like Shah Enterprises for basmati and non-basmati rice.
