New Delhi / Mumbai,16 September 2025: In a decisive push to recalibrate India–Russia trade dynamics and strengthen SME participation in cross-border markets, ITE Group, one of the world’s foremost exhibition platforms, concluded its first-ever India Roadshow with high-level engagements in New Delhi (10 September) and Mumbai (12 September).
The dual-city initiative framed under the banner Business Beyond Borders, marked a significant shift in how India’s small and medium enterprises are being engaged as central players in the Russia + CIS import pipeline, especially across key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, processed food, electronics, construction materials, interiors, and packaging.
Led by Dmitry Zavgorodniy, CEO of ITE Group, and Katerina Filunets, General Manager, ITE Dubai, the two-city initiative was supported by key Indian government agencies, export councils, and industry associations. Across both evenings, the message was clear: ITE is not just a platform; it’s a catalyst, connecting real-time demand from Russia with India’s unmatched production capability at the SME level. “Bilateral trade between India and Russia crossed USD 72 billion in 2024, but India’s export share remains disproportionately low,” said Mr. Dmitry Zavgorodniy. “Our mission is to build a continuous, structured path for Indian SMEs to access high-value markets, not just as participants, but as long-term stakeholders.”
“There are over 67 million SMEs in India, and 45% of them qualify as exporting MSMEs,” added Ms. Katerina Filunets. “They are agile, trusted, and resilient, what they often lack is year-round visibility and access to global trade networks. ITE’s ecosystem is built to deliver that visibility and bridge their potential with verified buyer demand.”
The Delhi edition was attended by Mr. Evgeny Griva, Deputy Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in India, and Ms. Merck Pau, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Both highlighted the rising alignment between India’s manufacturing capacity and Russia’s current import needs, especially in machinery, chemicals, construction materials, and processed agri-products.
Over 200 Indian companies participated across both cities, with 116 brand showcases in Delhi and 99 in Mumbai, from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, processed foods, electronics, construction, chemicals, interiors, wellness, and industrial packaging.
Notable names included FICCI, Colourbar Cosmetics, CVLOG International, PHDCCI, NDDB, TCPL Packaging, IEEMA, SAIL, Kajaria Ceramics, ASSOCHAM, IPAMA, and multiple government-backed entities including Ministry of Electronics & IT, Airport Authority of India, MoRD, and the Russian Trade Commission in India.
The Mumbai edition had strong participation from the construction-tech, health-pharma, electronics, and packaging sectors, many of whom are now evaluating participation in upcoming ITE exhibitions such as:
- Pharmtech & Ingredients
- RosUpack
- WorldFood Moscow
- MosBuild
- ExpoElectronica
- MITT
Delegates were also introduced to ITE Connect, the Group’s proprietary digital platform designed to facilitate year-round buyer–seller engagement. The platform empowers exhibitors with tools for intelligent buyer matching, live lead scanning, and enhanced brand visibility across ITE’s global network, ensuring that connections made at exhibitions continue to translate into business well beyond the event floor.
ITE also shared its internal forecast: The number of Indian SMEs participating in Russia-based trade platforms is expected to triple within the next three years, compared to current levels, driven by rising demand and improved access. Additionally, ITE projects a 30% year-on-year increase in demand for Indian-origin pharma, processed food, and industrial materials from Russia and CIS markets starting next fiscal.
The roadshow was marked not only by strategic insights but also by moments of cultural and interpersonal exchange, reflecting ITE’s larger belief in building soft infrastructure for hard trade. Informal networking spaces allowed founders and stakeholders to engage with ITE’s visiting leadership and policy representatives in meaningful, organic settings. “This is just the beginning,” said Ms. Filunets. “Russia and the CIS are opening their doors to new partnerships. Our job is to ensure Indian SMEs have the confidence, clarity, and connection to walk through those doors with purpose.”
As the ITE leadership team now evaluates India as a long-term market, plans are underway to deepen engagement through a sustained presence, focusing on sector-specific onboarding, market research, and custom support for Indian exporters ready to scale into Russia and the wider CIS.
