1.   

Russia allows import of buffalo meat from India

Russia today allowed import of buffalo meat from India with immediate effect, days ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to the country. "Russia's veterinary and phytosanitary service Rosselkhoznadzor together with Kazakhstan's Agriculture Ministry has included Indian buffalo meat producers to the register of organisations and individuals involved in the production, processing and storage of goods transported to the territory of the Customs Union (of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan)," the Russian veterinary regulator said.

2.   

Govt may allow export of premium edible oil in bulk

The government is planning to lift a ban on bulk export of groundnut and rice bran oils, in view of the sharp drop in the prices of high-value edible oils in the open market. According to officials, the commerce department has moved a Cabinet note in this regard and the same is expected to be discussed soon. At present, export of all major edible oils is allowed in small packages of five kg each. Bulk export is banned.

3.   

Putin Visit Could Bring Sparkle Back to India-Russia Ties

India-Russia ties are set to get the sparkle of diamonds during the summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin next week during which both sides would also seek to draw up a long-term vision of their key strategic ties. Putin will also address a joint session of the Indian parliament. The Russian president will be meeting Modi on Dec 11 for the 15th India-Russia Annual Summit. Though the exact schedule of his visit has not yet been firmed up, Putin is expected to arrive on Dec 10 evening, or land early on Dec 11 itself, it is understood.

4.   

'Obama Administration to focus next 2 years on India-US trade ties'

Over the next two years, the Obama Administration would focus significantly on India-US economic and financial partnership and support the reform effort of the Indian government, a US official has said. Describing this as "a win-win" proposition, the official said, the partnership would also encourage greater opening of India's economy to US firms and improving the climate for US investment in the country. "Over the next two years, we plan to focus significant attention on the US-India Economic and Financial Partnership; the US Treasury's main vehicle to engage on economic issues with India.