India, Russia Explore New Trade, Investment & Tech Partnerships At WTC Mumbai–AIAI Roundtable

Mumbai, Dec 17 (KNN) World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai, in collaboration with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), organised an interactive roundtable with a high-level business delegation from the Russian Federation to explore new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and technology. 

The programme included structured business-to-business meetings, bringing together over 150 Indian participants and members of the visiting Russian delegation.

Focus on Expanding Bilateral Trade Basket

Addressing the gathering, Irina Malahova, Lead Specialist, South Export Support Centre, Russia said, “India and Russia have time-tested economic and trade partnership. Our main objective today here is to strengthen this partnership further and facilitate Russian businesses to enter the Indian markets. As an export promotion chamber, we are here to connect businesses thereby creating a fruitful bilateral relation between Crimea and India.” 

Malahova highlighted Russia’s strength as a source of quality products such as wine, spirits, distillery products and mineral water. She said that while bilateral engagement has traditionally focused on sectors such as energy, defence and capital goods, there is scope to diversify the trade basket to reinforce economic ties.

Trade Growth, Investment Opportunities Highlighted

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, AIAI, said, “With the reliance on rupee-ruble trade mechanism, investments of Russian companies in Indian capital markets, sharing of critical nuclear and defence technology and Joint Ventures, I am confident that our bilateral trade will reach 100 billion dollars by 2027. However, this expansion of trade also resulted in widening the trade deficit which India has with Russia.”

He said the partnership—based on mutual trust and long-term growth objectives—has the potential to address this imbalance over time and remains largely unaffected by geopolitical developments such as tariff actions.

Dr. Kalantari, welcoming investment in the state, further said, “India with its 1.4 billion population offers a huge consumer base for global partners to invest and scale in India. There exist tremendous opportunities for businesses to engage in investments and joint ventures.” 

He added that Maharashtra provides a favourable policy environment for investors and local manufacturing, with expanding trade visible in newer sectors such as spirits, tourism and coolants.

Delegates Explore Partnerships and Market Access

Members of the Russian delegation presented investment-friendly policies and business opportunities in their respective regions, expressing interest in joint ventures, technology transfer and market expansion with Indian firms. 

Discussions also covered issues related to facilitating financial transactions, improving logistics connectivity and enhancing market access to support deeper economic engagement between the two countries.

(KNN Bureau)