First of all, it is important for Russian companies to view India not simply as a sales market or a source of relatively inexpensive products, but as a strategic partner.
Indian entrepreneurs, in turn, need to study the Russian market better — its legislation, consumer preferences, industrial potential and regional opportunities.
I consider joint projects in industry, pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture, food processing, textiles, logistics and education to be especially promising.
Joint ventures, localization of production, technological cooperation and the exchange of professional competencies can play an important role.
At the same time, serious attention must be paid to practical issues: settlements between companies, banking support, logistics, certification, customs procedures and legal protection of investments.
One cannot expect cultural closeness by itself to solve commercial problems.
That is precisely why professional business associations, industry associations and permanent platforms for direct dialogue are needed.
As president of the Indian Business Alliance, I consider one of our most important tasks to be helping entrepreneurs of the two countries find reliable partners, establish direct contacts and overcome cultural and organizational barriers.
I am also convinced that Russian regions can play a huge role.
For example, Tatarstan possesses serious industrial, technological and educational potential. For Indian companies, opportunities for cooperation in mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, information technology, manufacturing and specialist training may be of interest.
In turn, Indian enterprises can offer Russian partners production competencies, technologies, investment projects and access to a large-scale consumer market.
