Leningrad Region Delegation Explores Indian Investment Opportunities in Agriculture, Manufacturing and Port Development
At the India–Russia Business Dialogue in Mumbai, representatives discussed trade diversification, industrial partnerships, maritime logistics and investment opportunities.
A Russian business delegation from the Leningrad Region held discussions with Indian industry representatives on opportunities for bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation at the “India–Russia Business Dialogue: Leningrad Region”, organised at MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.
The discussions focused on advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, agro-processing, maritime logistics and tourism, alongside opportunities for technology exchange and joint investments.
Leningrad Region Highlights Investment and Industrial Potential
Ms. Lina Yurievna Nikiforova, Deputy Chairperson, Committee for Economic Development and Investment Activity of the Leningrad Region, Russian Federation, said, “Leningrad Region is keen to strengthen economic cooperation with India and other BRICS nations through enhanced industrial partnerships, investment and bilateral trade. The region offers significant opportunities in advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, agro-processing, maritime logistics and tourism. Investments in Leningrad Region reached approximately 1.6 trillion Rubles in 2025, reflecting its growing industrial and economic potential,”
Nikiforova also highlighted the region’s maritime infrastructure and international trade links.
“Leningrad Region's strategic location and well-developed maritime infrastructure offer considerable potential for expanding international trade. Its four major seaports collectively handled over 200 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, while the region maintains export relations with more than 106 countries. We look forward to strengthening business partnerships with Indian enterprises through greater trade, technology exchange, joint investments and cooperation across emerging sectors,” added, Ms. Nikiforova.
Dialogue Focuses on Diversifying India–Russia Trade
Ms. Olga Medina da Silva, Chief Executive Officer, Development Agency BRICS, who moderated the dialogue, said, “There is immense potential to strengthen India–Russia bilateral trade by diversifying the trade basket and expanding cooperation in manufacturing, technology and investment. Greater business engagement and industrial partnerships can unlock new trade opportunities and deepen economic ties between the two countries,”
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, said, “India and Russia share a longstanding strategic partnership, with immense potential to expand bilateral trade beyond traditional sectors, particularly into pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, technology and logistics. With bilateral trade reaching approximately 60 billion in FY 2025–26, both countries must focus on diversifying the trade basket, addressing the existing trade imbalance and working towards the USD 100 billion trade target by 2030.”
B2B Networking and Industry Presentations
The programme also featured presentations by Russian enterprises representing glass manufacturing, industrial products and polymer-based applications. Discussions explored opportunities for bilateral trade, technology exchange, industrial collaboration and business partnerships with Indian enterprises.
Ms. Priya Pansare, Senior Director – Trade, Investment and International Relations, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the Russian delegation and Indian industry representatives for their participation.
The programme concluded with business-to-business (B2B) networking interactions focused on identifying potential avenues for bilateral trade, investment and industrial partnerships.