Iran and Russia have stepped up efforts to deepen economic cooperation within the BRICS framework, placing the proposed BRICS Grain Exchange at the centre of a broader agenda aimed at strengthening food security, expanding trade connectivity and enhancing regional integration. This was reported by Tehran Times, a TV BRICS partner.

The initiative was a key topic during discussions between Iranian Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Maksim Markovich on the sidelines of the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Indore, India. Both sides emphasised the need for closer coordination in agricultural trade, logistics and joint development projects across BRICS member states.

Iranian officials described the BRICS Grain Exchange as a strategic mechanism that could improve market transparency, facilitate grain transactions and reinforce food supply chains among emerging economies. Tehran stressed that successful implementation of the initiative would require strong support from Russia, one of the world's leading grain producers and a major participant in the BRICS group.

Alongside grain trade, both countries highlighted the importance of expanding maritime transport links and making greater use of existing port infrastructure. Officials noted that stronger shipping connections and more efficient transport corridors would play a critical role in supporting future agricultural exports and imports. Representatives from both countries also called for stronger coordination between financial institutions and regulatory bodies to facilitate payments, reduce transaction costs and support businesses involved in agricultural commerce.

Earlier this year, customs authorities from both countries launched initiatives aimed at simplifying customs clearance procedures, enhancing operational coordination and improving training cooperation. Officials have also been working on practical measures to streamline trade flows and strengthen logistics networks connecting the two markets.

Agriculture remains one of the fastest-growing areas of bilateral cooperation. Both countries expressed readiness to expand trade in essential commodities, develop joint agricultural mechanisms and increase collaboration on food security initiatives within the BRICS framework.

Furthermore, a new tourism cooperation roadmap covering 2026–2028 was signed during an international forum in Moscow. The agreement outlines measures to facilitate travel, improve payment systems, simplify visa procedures and strengthen air connectivity between the two countries.

The tourism agreement also includes provisions aimed at improving financial accessibility for travellers and enhancing the implementation of existing monetary arrangements. Both sides expressed confidence that tourism flows could increase significantly as connectivity improves and regional conditions become more favourable.