Russia–India Dialogue Provides Platform for Strengthening Bilateral Entrepreneurship -By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

The XVI Russia–India Business Dialogue held at the Press Center of MIA “Russia Today” in Moscow, brought together more than 1,250 participants, including representatives of government authorities, business communities, and expert circles from Russia and India. The event became one of the key platforms for bilateral cooperation, consistently developed, including on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

The Dialogue was organized by the Indian Business Alliance, the Business Council for Cooperation with India, the Government of Moscow, and the Roscongress Foundation.

Key Discussion Areas
During the plenary session, participants discussed the main directions of Russia–India cooperation, including:

• Strategic partnership between Russia and India
• Resolution of trade issues and identification of new opportunities to balance bilateral trade
• Ensuring logistics and financial resilience
• Development of industrial cooperation and import substitution
• Partnership in energy, technology, and innovation
• Human capital development and academic cooperation
• Expansion of cultural and regional interaction

Official Statements
Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow, highlighted the steady growth of business activity and the practical orientation of Russia–India cooperation:

“Russia–India contacts demonstrate confident momentum — more than 50 joint business events have taken place over the past year. Today, the focus is on the localization of Indian businesses in Russia, development of industrial cooperation, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and creative industries, as well as growth in mutual investments and high-tech product supplies.”

Russia and India have been building a multifaceted partnership for many years, covering economy, industry, science, education, and culture. This is supported by a wide range of joint business, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives implemented at both federal and regional levels, as well as by active engagement between the business communities of the two countries.

Sammy Kotwani, President of the Indian Business Alliance (IBA), emphasized the practical nature of Indian companies’ interest in cooperation with Russia:

“The event reflects a new stage of strategic partnership between our countries—practical, regionally focused, and aimed at implementing concrete projects. More than 1,250 registered participants and active involvement of Russian regions confirm the high level of trust and interest in long-term cooperation.

Today, Russia and India act not only as trading partners, but also as co-creators of production chains, human capital, and sustainable economic models in a changing global order.”

Speaking at the plenary session, Alexey Valkov, Deputy Director of the Roscongress Foundation and Director of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, underlined SPIEF’s importance as a key international platform for practical cooperation:

“India is a constant and key participant in Roscongress Foundation events. We consistently develop Russia–India dialogue not only at events held in Russia, but also through international outreach initiatives of the Foundation.

On 4–5 December, the Russia–India Business Forum was held in New Delhi, organized by the Roscongress Foundation in accordance with instructions from the President of the Russian Federation. This format reflects the high level of trust between our countries and creates additional opportunities for practical cooperation, including projects involving small and medium-sized enterprises, for which SPIEF offers special conditions.”

Forum Outcomes and Future Outlook
The forum addressed issues related to:

• Expansion of investment cooperation
• Development of financial instruments
• Deepening technological collaboration
• Implementation of joint projects in industry, energy, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy

Participants noted the development of Russia–India cooperation and implementation of joint business projects will continue at major international platforms, including the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, scheduled to take place from 3 to 6 June 2026.