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RUSSO-INDIAN TRADE RELATIONS 163
mineral oil to India, holding as she does the triple advantage
of possessing very cheap labour in its production, of being
so near to the Indian market, and of exemption from the
duty of i anna per gallon levied on all foreign oils imported
into India. However, there is reason to believe that foreign
oils, including Russian kerosene, need not fear the
competition of Burma oil. There is room for both in the
country.
Another opportunity to expand trade relations between
India and Russia lies in the importation of Russian cotton
goods. These manufactures have already found their way
to Ouetta by transit through Persia, where they are much
appreciated. The cotton manufacturers of Moscow and
Ivanovo Vosnesensk, are producing for the markets of the
Central Asiatic provinces of Russia a description of printed
cotton goods, the designs on which are a pleasing
interpretation of Turkestan, Persian, and Central Asiatic patterns.
Their skilful adaptation to Asiatic tastes, their cheapness,
and their good quality recommend them not only to the
population of Central Asia but also to that of India. On
the authority of merchants in India who have good business
experience, I may say that the Lodz printed goods, grey and
white shirtings, cambrics, drills and other cotton
manufactures, have a good chance of finding buyers in India.
The earthenware and china goods which Russian
manufacturers produce for use in Turkestan are likewise adapted
to the tastes of Central Asia and Northern India. In
Baluchistan, Peshawar, and the Punjab, one already meets
all sorts of chinaware of Russian origin, as for instance,
teapots, cups, milk-jugs, sugar-basins, bowls, and plates,
which are specially made for the use of the inhabitants of
Turkestan. These articles have a good sale, and the demand
for them is rising. Now they reach India through
Afghanistan or Eastern Turkestan, Ladak and Kashmir. On the
long journey the goods change hands several times, their
price growing accordingly. However, the high price for
Russian china in India does not diminish its sale, and this
in itself is sufficient proof of its possibilities on the Indian
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