"Opening of new global era": Sammy Kotwani on potential India-Russia partnership

Sammy Kotwani, President of the Indian Business Alliance, said the India-Russia partnership marks the opening of a new global era.

He said, "The Russian side has clearly come out and told what you want to listen. They are looking for East and without India, East is not possible. They understand they have a good business but there is a disbalancement and they agree they need to do everything. I think India and Russia need to make ruble-rupee payment more smoother so that things happen faster. They need to come up with much more better routes so the goods are delivered faster and cheaper."

He said Russia is looking for potential workers, and India is gonna play a major role.

He said, "For the workforce, Russia is looking for a very big support from India. So our Indian workforce is also gonna play a role. So, yes, it's an opening of a new global era"

He said that the relationship between India and Russia is brotherly, and Russia will play the role of an elder brother.

He said, "People say we are great friends, but I tell you, we are good brothers. So now, Russia has to play the role of the elder brother, where it's to handhold India and work together. We Indians believe in destiny, astrology, and let me tell you, this partnership is not one plus one equals two; this partnership is one plus one, which is going to make eleven, and that's very clear."

Meanwhile, Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, said that President Vladimir Putin's visit to India was "very positive" and noted that Indian companies should find appropriate business partners in Russia to boost bilateral trade and achieve a balanced trade relationship.

Manturov told ANI that Russia is keen on balanced trade with India.

"The visit was very positive from both sides. We want to have bilateral cooperation with Indian companies to achieve balanced trade. To develop in both India and Russia is also one of the spheres of cooperation. Indian companies should find respective business partners in Russia. Next year in Russia, we are expecting to see Indian companies at exhibitions," he said.

Citing the example of urea, he said there could be collaboration for joint production.

"These kind of spheres, there are a lot of them. We're expecting to see Indian companies in Russia in the exhibition forums," he said.

Manturov said that they plan to organise INNOPROM in India in the Autumn of 2026. The International Industrial Exhibition (INNOPROM) is a global platform that brings together manufacturers and buyers from around the world.

"We are planning to make INNOPROM in India in the autumn of next year also to make bilateral cooperation with Indian companies. So this is the way to approach to make the trade more balanced," he added.

In his remarks during a joint statement with President Putin, PM Modi said both sides are actively working towards the early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

"Our close cooperation in the fields of agriculture and fertilisers is vital for food security and farmer welfare. I am pleased that, taking this cooperation forward, both sides are now working together on urea production," he said.

"Enhancing connectivity between our two countries is a key priority for us. We will move forward with renewed energy on the INSTC, the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridors. I am pleased that we will now collaborate on training India's seafarers for operations in polar waters. This will not only strengthen our collaboration in the Arctic but also create new employment opportunities for the youth of India," he added.

He said strong cooperation between the two countries in shipbuilding has the potential to further strengthen Make in India. It is yet another excellent example of our win-win partnership, which will enhance job creation, skills development, and regional connectivity. (ANI)