Moscow, Russia | July 29 – August 1, 2025 – The Global Trade & Technology Council (India) (GTTCI) has once again reaffirmed its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indo–Russian economic cooperation. Following its impactful participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, a high-level GTTCI delegation led by Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson, accompanied by Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder President, and Mr. Rakesh Asthana, Chief Advisor, embarked on an official visit to Moscow to strengthen institutional, financial, and technological linkages between the two nations.
This visit has resulted in tangible outcomes, with GTTCI taking concrete steps to bring transformative projects in finance, healthcare, digital trade, and energy to India, thereby reinforcing its reputation as a bridge-builder in international trade and investment.
Forging New Pathways in Finance with VTB Bank
A highlight of the visit was GTTCI’s meeting with Ms. Olga Basha, Member of the Board, VTB Bank. VTB Bank, one of Russia’s largest financial institutions, has identified India as a priority market, and through GTTCI’s facilitation, preparations are underway to establish a robust presence in the Indian financial landscape.
The collaboration focuses on affordable housing finance, healthcare and infrastructure funding, agricultural credit, and insurance solutions. Particular emphasis is being placed on extending services to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that the benefits of international cooperation reach beyond metropolitan India.
By combining VTB’s expertise with GTTCI’s on-ground insights and networks, this partnership will pave the way for inclusive, secure, and innovation-driven financial services tailored to Indian needs. GTTCI has assumed the leadership role in preparing the framework for this collaboration, ensuring that VTB’s entry into India aligns with the country’s regulatory, economic, and social priorities.
Expanding SBER Bank’s Footprint in India
GTTCI’s discussions with SBER Bank resulted in a wide-ranging set of initiatives that will significantly expand SBER’s footprint in India. SBER, globally recognised for its technological innovation, is now proposed to partner with Indian industry through GTTCI in three critical domains: finance, healthcare, and digital platforms.
The collaboration includes:
- State-Level Roadshows – GTTCI will work with SBER to organize business and investment roadshows across India, beginning with Uttar Pradesh, a state emerging as a hub for defence and aerospace industries. These events will bring together Russian and Indian companies, fostering industrial linkages at the grassroots level.
- Healthcare Collaborations – SBER and GTTCI may join forces to establish world-class healthcare facilities in India, integrating Russian medical technology with Indian healthcare expertise. This includes potential joint ventures with leading hospitals such as Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, aimed at creating affordable yet cutting-edge healthcare models.
- Digital Networking Platform – A pioneering digital platform is being developed to connect over 80,000 Indian and Russian enterprises, particularly MSMEs, thereby enabling faster trade facilitation, matchmaking, and investment opportunities.
- State & Sector-Specific MoUs – GTTCI and SBER may also collaborate on exclusive agreements with select Indian states in areas such as digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and technology-driven projects.
These initiatives will allow Indian businesses to directly benefit from Russian expertise while simultaneously giving SBER a strong and sustained presence in India’s expanding economic ecosystem.
Launching the India–Russia Buyer-Seller Platform with ETP-GPB
Another cornerstone of the visit was GTTCI’s engagement with Ms. Angelina Morgun, Head of International Department, ETP-GPB. Together, GTTCI and ETP-GPB are bringing to life a Buyer-Seller Digital Platform designed to revolutionise bilateral trade between India and Russia.
This platform will serve as a strategic marketplace, enabling exporters, importers, and MSMEs from both countries to engage seamlessly. By strengthening supply chains and creating direct access to markets, the platform will provide Indian businesses with unprecedented opportunities to connect with Russian counterparts across multiple sectors, from agriculture and technology to energy and manufacturing.
With operational groundwork already underway, the platform will soon emerge as a gateway for enhanced cross-border business partnerships, aligning with GTTCI’s mission to facilitate global trade connectivity.
Advancing Technology and Energy Synergies with Rosoboronexport
GTTCI’s delegation also engaged with Rosoboronexport, Russia’s leading state intermediary agency for defence and advanced technologies, to explore cooperation in thorium-powered nuclear reactors.
This dialogue represents a forward-looking collaboration in sustainable nuclear energy, positioning India at the forefront of next-generation energy technologies. By connecting Indian stakeholders with Russian expertise, GTTCI is paving the way for partnerships that align with India’s long-term goals of clean energy, innovation, and energy security.
Strengthening GTTCI’s Presence in Russia
The delegation’s engagements were facilitated by Mr. Igor Malyshkov, GTTCI’s Representative in Russia, whose contribution was central to coordinating high-level meetings and ensuring the strategic alignment of GTTCI’s initiatives with Russian priorities. His role strengthens GTTCI’s commitment to maintaining a sustained and credible presence in Russia, ensuring continuity in bilateral projects.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Reflecting on the outcomes of the visit, Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of GTTCI, stated:
“India and Russia stand at a historic juncture, where economic and technological cooperation can redefine our partnership for the future. Through GTTCI’s initiatives, we are not only opening new avenues for trade and investment but also ensuring that these opportunities translate into real progress for businesses and communities in India.”
The Moscow visit marks a decisive step in GTTCI’s broader strategy of building transformational partnerships that bring tangible benefits across critical sectors. By facilitating projects that combine financial innovation, healthcare excellence, digital connectivity, and sustainable energy, GTTCI continues to strengthen the bridge of trust and opportunity between India and Russia.
