ITE Group’s First-Ever India Roadshow Opens New Chapter in India–Russia SME Trade

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.”

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.

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.

In an interview Katerina Filunets,the general manager of ITE Dubai ITE Group, one of the world’s leading platforms for cross-border trade and exhibitions, concluded its debut India Roadshow with back-to-back showcases in New Delhi (10 Sept) and Mumbai (12 Sept).

The events brought together over 200 Indian companies, multiple government-backed entities, and key export councils to explore real-time trade opportunities across Russia and the CIS region, with a sharp focus on SMEs and mid-size manufacturers.

Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, wellness, construction, interiors, and packaging emerged as high-priority areas, with confirmed interest from Indian participants in ITE’s upcoming global exhibitions, including Pharmtech & Ingredients, RosUpack, WorldFood Moscow, and MosBuild.

With India–Russia bilateral trade crossing USD 72 billion last year and a growing emphasis on non-oil exports, the roadshow marked a pivotal moment for Indian businesses seeking structured, direct access to the Russian and CIS markets. ITE’s leadership also shared plans to triple Indian SME participation in its Russia-led platforms over the next three years, supported by digital matchmaking tools, year-round visibility, and custom onboarding for new entrants.

What was the outcome of the road show?

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.”

What prompted you to open this New Chapter in India-Russia SME Chamber?

The chapter was launched to give Indian SMEs a direct bridge to Russia and CIS markets at a time when supply chains are realigning. With Russia and the CIS countries looking towards Asia to diversify their supplier networks, Indian businesses are well-positioned to fill critical gaps, and our role is to provide clarity, access, and confidence.

Which is the industry to recalibrate India–Russia trade dynamics to strengthen SME participation in cross-border markets?

Pharmaceutical natural ingredients, processed foods and ingredients, packaging, chemicals, construction materials, and machinery are the fastest-growing sectors. These match India’s production strengths with Russia’s urgent import needs.

Describe the dual-city initiative framed under the banner Business Beyond Borders, and what are your objectives?

Business Beyond Borders was a two-city roadshow in Delhi and Mumbai. It brought together government bodies, SMEs, exporters, and trade associations for targeted dialogues, regulatory guidance, and broader knowledge of why the time is now to start exporting to Russia and CIS. The goal is straightforward: to convert market opportunities into actual deals for Indian companies.

What will be the impact of these initiatives on trade between the two countries?

The roadshow is designed to build trust and deepen business connections between India and our exhibitions. By demonstrating that ITE Group is a proven organiser, delivering Russia’s most important exhibitions since 1991, we create a reliable platform for Indian companies to explore and expand. This foundation naturally drives broader trade development, helping companies discover synergies and strengthen long-term cooperation.

What will be the various steps to engage the SME's/MSME's?

We make entry easier through group pavilions, one-to-one buyer meetings, and digital platforms that keep leads active year-round. This ensures SMEs move from interest to transactions faster than any other exhibition can offer in Russia.

What will be the financial outcome of these initiatives?

Exact outcomes will vary, but the clear ambition is to help SMEs tap into a share of the growing non-oil trade. As more SMEs secure repeat business, this can contribute meaningfully to the USD 100 billion India-Russia bilateral target.

Do you plan to have ITE exhibitions in India?

For now, our focus is on the roadshows and partnerships with Indian trade bodies. In the future, we are open to formats that facilitate faster and more effective market access for Indian exporters to enter the Russia and CIS markets.

What are the plans for the long term in India to develop the market?

We see India as a long-term partner. Our plans include regular sector-specific roadshows, offer Indian exporters all year-round digital matchmaking through ITE Connect, and deeper collaboration with export councils to expand SME and MSMEs' reach.

What are the portfolio of exhibitions organized by you globally?

A: Our portfolio includes more than 30 exhibitions and summits in Russia, targeting visitors from the entire CIS region. Flagship shows include MosBuild, WorldFood Moscow, Pharmtech & Ingredients, RosUpack, and ExpoElectronica, alongside events in construction, food, transportation, industrial manufacturing, and technology.

What will the bilateral trade between Russia and India be in 2030?

Both governments have set a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030. Reaching it will depend on SMEs scaling exports across diversified sectors.

How do you plan to address the rising alignment between India’s manufacturing capacity and Russia’s current import needs, especially in machinery, chemicals, construction materials, and processed agri-products?

We have the platforms for Indian manufacturers to connect directly with buyers, demonstrate compliance, and showcase machinery, chemicals, agro-processing, and construction solutions. This builds trust and converts India’s production capacity into long-term supply chains.

“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.