Russia is set to strengthen its commercial presence in India with the opening of a permanent Russian National Pavilion in Navi Mumbai on August 21, 2026. Operating under the national “Made in Russia” brand, the facility is intended to provide Indian businesses with direct access to Russian manufacturers and suppliers across sectors including food, cosmetics, household products and selected technology solutions. The initiative comes as India and Russia seek to expand economic cooperation beyond their traditional focus on energy and other large-scale commodities.
The pavilion is being established against the backdrop of a long-standing strategic relationship between the two countries. India and Russia have maintained close ties across defence, energy, technology, education and other areas, with their relationship elevated to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. The two countries have also set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Trade had reached around $70 billion by the end of 2024, according to the information provided about the initiative, although further diversification of products and greater participation from non-resource sectors will be important for sustained growth.
The new facility is expected to serve as a permanent business-to-business platform rather than a temporary exhibition. Indian distributors, retailers and other companies will be able to meet Russian manufacturers, examine products and discuss potential commercial arrangements directly. The pavilion is also intended to help businesses understand customs, certification and other procedures involved in bringing products into the Indian market. By allowing potential buyers to assess products before entering into agreements, the organisers expect the facility to make it easier for Russian companies to establish relationships with Indian distributors and retailers.
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A wide range of Russian products is expected to be represented at the venue, including food and confectionery items, beverages, natural cosmetics and household goods. Companies associated with the pavilion include MAKFA, United Confectioners, Tatspirtprom, Miratorg and Afanasy brewery. The facility will be operated locally by RAI FAMILY CORP LLP, an Indian company responsible for areas such as logistics, customs clearance and promotion through local retail networks. This arrangement is intended to help Russian exporters navigate India's retail and regulatory environment while giving Indian businesses a more accessible point of contact.
The Navi Mumbai pavilion is also being presented as part of a broader international expansion of the “Made in Russia” brand. Similar facilities are already operating in several countries, including China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Egypt and Jordan. The Russian Export Center has promoted the national brand for almost a decade, bringing together more than 2,500 companies across more than 35 product categories. Participating businesses can undergo voluntary certification based on factors such as reliability, uniqueness, environmental characteristics and organic origin, providing prospective buyers with additional information when evaluating suppliers.
For Indian consumers and businesses, the pavilion could eventually lead to a wider availability of Russian products through local retail channels and online marketplaces. The organisers plan to develop national stores on major marketplaces and expand branded retail outlets under the “Made in Russia” identity. The broader objective is to turn initial product demonstrations and business meetings into long-term supply agreements, distribution partnerships and retail opportunities. As India and Russia work towards expanding bilateral trade, the Navi Mumbai facility represents an effort to build a more permanent commercial link between Russian manufacturers and the Indian market.
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