National Centre RUSSIA offers Moscow showcase for Indian products at INNOPROM India

National Centre RUSSIA offers Moscow showcase for Indian products at INNOPROM India

New Delhi [India], September 11: The National Centre RUSSIA has offered to showcase Indian products at its Moscow premises following a visit by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov to its exhibition at INNOPROM India in New Delhi.

The proposal was outlined by Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, during the September 9–11 industrial exhibition at Bharat Mandapam. She said the National Centre wanted to build on its Indian debut by making Russian products available to Indian buyers and giving Indian producers an opportunity to present their goods to Russian audiences.

“For our part, we are ready to provide space at the National Centre RUSSIA, in our very popular department store, to display Indian products,” Virtuozova said at a press conference during the exhibition.

She described the event as a first step, with further discussions needed on how to promote products in each other’s markets. Referring to the popularity of Indian tea, textiles and cotton goods in the Soviet Union, she said exhibitions could help consumers learn more about the products available in both countries.

Goyal and Alikhanov toured the National Centre’s flagship department store project, known as UniverMag, and an accompanying cultural zone. Virtuozova guided the ministers through a display of Russian regional crafts, ranging from crystal and painted clay toys to carpet weaving and lace.

The National Centre reported the ministerial visit in a statement issued on September 10. Its participation in New Delhi marks the first presentation of UniverMag in India, following earlier appearances at INNOPROM Central Asia in Tashkent and the Russia–China Expo in Harbin.

“Russia and India share many years of friendship. Next year marks 80 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries,” Virtuozova said in the statement. “We would like the products of UniverMag RUSSIA to remain available to Indian buyers, and Indian goods to be presented in our space in Moscow.”

The proposal concerns future cooperation rather than an announced retail agreement. Virtuozova said the next step would be to sit down with partners and discuss how to take product promotion forward.

At Bharat Mandapam, the National Centre combined retail displays with live demonstrations by craftswomen from Russia’s Ryazan, Kirov and Nizhny Novgorod regions and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area–Yugra. Visitors could watch traditional techniques, including lace-making, Khokhloma decorative painting and the making of Dymkovo clay toys.

The format placed the production process alongside the finished goods. The cultural zone also featured amber objects, porcelain, lacquer miniatures, painted metal trays and woodcarving, introducing visitors to craft traditions from different Russian regions.

Virtuozova linked the appeal of these products to the combination of traditional skills and modern production.

“It is handmade. It is rooted in Russian traditions. And these production facilities have now been modernised, resulting in products of very high quality,” she said at the press conference.

An early example of visitor interest was a limited-edition nevalyashka, a traditional Russian self-righting doll, created for the exhibition with the Kotovsk toy factory in the Tambov region. Decorated with Indian cultural motifs, it was the first item sold at the New Delhi outlet, according to the National Centre.

By the time of the ministerial visit, Virtuozova said the special edition had almost sold out.

The ‘UniverMag’ pavilion of the National Centre RUSSIA  became the most popular and visited space at the entire exhibition, attracting an endless stream of buyers throughout the day, especially reporting interest in Russian chocolate, Tula gingerbread, lace, handmade bags and other craft products.

The exhibition also included a model of the future National Centre RUSSIA building in Moscow. The National Centre was established on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin to preserve the legacy of the Russia International Exhibition and Forum and provide a permanent venue for presenting the country’s achievements.

INNOPROM India is organised by Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. According to the National Centre’s event materials, the exhibition brought together more than 130 companies from the two countries to develop business contacts and joint industrial projects.

For the National Centre RUSSIA, the immediate follow-up is to explore how the interest shown at the exhibition can lead to continuing product exchanges. Virtuozova’s proposal would give Indian goods a platform in Moscow while discussions continue on future access for Russian products in India.

Heads of Consulates General in Vladivostok Attend the Festive Opening Program of the National Center “Russia” Branch in Primorye

Heads of Consulates General in Vladivostok Attend the Festive Opening Program of the National Center “Russia” Branch in Primorye

A festive program dedicated to the opening of the “Russia” National Centre branch in Primorye is taking place in Vladivostok. The opening ceremony was attended by Consuls General of the Republic of Belarus, Igor Sokol; the Republic of Uzbekistan, Yusup Kabuljonov; Vietnam, Nguyen Viet Kien; India, Siddharth Gaurav; and the Head of the Office (Branch) of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Iskender Orusbaev.

“We are delighted to see representatives of the foreign consulates general located in the Primorye Territory here today. The countries you represent are key partners for Russia, particularly in the Far East. Your presence today underscores Vladivostok’s truly international status,” said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the “Russia” National Centre.

She emphasized that the Primorye branch will become a modern public space, a new attraction point in Vladivostok, and a key international venue. According to her, the goal of the National Centre “Russia” in Primorye is for residents to take pride in their region and country, and for foreign guests to discover the Far East in all its diversity and find concrete opportunities for dialogue and joint work here.

“We have already launched the international activities of the National Centre’s branch and successfully organized the first international event. Just two days ago, an expert session was held here as part of our international initiative, the Open Dialogue, dedicated to transforming connectivity institutions and exploring new solutions for international trade, payments, and logistics. Vladivostok, being a strategic hub and a ‘gateway’ to Asia, proved to be the perfect platform for discussing the topic of connectivity,” said Natalia Virtuozova.

The Consul General of Vietnam in Vladivostok, Nguyen Viet Kien, noted that he had already walked through the branch of the National Centre “Russia” and was impressed.

“I am incredibly impressed with the branch of the National Center ‘Russia’  in Vladivostok. Congratulations on the opening. I believe this place should definitely be on the list for every tourist and anyone visiting this city. I am sure this is one of the finest venues for organizing international events. Such a center is perfectly suited for cultural exchange and various exhibitions,” emphasized Nguyen Viet Kien.

The Consul General of India in Vladivostok, Siddharth Gaurav, also congratulated everyone on the opening of the National Centre “Russia” branch.

“I would like to congratulate the residents of Primorye and Vladivostok on the opening of the National Centre ‘Russia’, which was opened by the respected President Vladimir Putin,” said Siddharth Gaurav. “The way everything is presented in this center is truly admirable. We were accompanied by an excellent guide who gave us a tour of all the exhibitions dedicated to the Primorye Territory.”

The Consul General of India in Vladivostok noted that the center will become a true landmark of Primorye: “Undoubtedly, everyone who wants to learn the basics or even more about the region must visit this place to feel closer to Vladivostok and learn much more about it.”

International Conclave on Good Governance 2024: Strengthening India-UK Relations Through Leadership, Culture, and Cooperation

International Conclave on Good Governance 2024: Strengthening India-UK Relations Through Leadership, Culture, and Cooperation

The prestigious “International Conclave on Good Governance 2024,” a three-day event held in London from September 11-13, aimed to foster discussions on leadership and governance between India and the UK. It brought together key leaders and dignitaries from both nations, promoting collaboration in governance, business, and cultural exchange.

Organized by Nachiket Joshi, the visionary founder of the World Leadership Forum, this year’s conclave centered around the theme of Viksit Bharat 2047, celebrating India’s progress toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. It also highlighted the leadership of Indian Prime Minister, emphasizing India’s advancements in governance, transparency, and international cooperation.

The conclave commenced on September 11th at London City Hall, hosted by Assembly Member Krupesh Hirani. The discussions focused on key themes such as Women Empowerment, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and the global initiative “Lifestyle for Environment,” spearheaded by Indian Prime Minister. A key highlight was the “Women of Impact” awards ceremony, recognizing exceptional women for their contributions.

On September 12th, a session on Good Governance was held at the House of Commons, hosted by Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East) and Cllr Anjana Patel, Deputy Mayor of Harrow and anchored by Khushboo Shah, London-based professional. Ram Mandir Memento was presented to MP Bob Blackman by Nachiket Joshi.

The session honored former MP Virendra Sharma for his 50 years of exemplary public service. Among the dignitaries present were Seema Malhotra, Under-Secretary at the Home Office; MPs Shivani Raja, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Deirdre Costigan, Andy Slaughter; Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council; IPS Deepak Choudhary from the Indian High Commission; and Umesh Patel, MP from Daman and Diu.

In his remarks, Nachiket Joshi, Founder of World leadership Forum & Event organiser, emphasized the transformative power of good governance, stating, “Indian PM’s leadership exemplifies transparency, efficiency, and innovation, setting a benchmark for governance worldwide. His approach is an inspiration, demonstrating how vision and integrity can drive sustainable development and progress.”

On September 13th, the final day, a Gala Lunch took place at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Mike German. Anchored by Raageshwari Loomba, singer and mindfulness coach, the event featured special guest Aditi Varda Sunil Tatkare, Minister of Women & Child Development, Maharashtra, alongside prominent figures like MP Shivani Raja, Vijay Goel, Founder of IEBF, and former MPs Paul Scully and Virendra Sharma. A children’s performance on sustainability was one of the event’s most memorable moments.

Vijay Goel, Founder of IEBF, remarked, “The International Conclave on Good Governance is a crucial platform for exchanging global perspectives and best practices, fostering transparency and accountability for a better future.”

The conclave concluded at Brent Civic Centre with cultural performances and a community celebration, supported by Deputy Leader of Brent Council, Cllr Mili Patel, and Mayor of Brent, Tariq Dar. This gathering further strengthened the cultural ties between India and the UK. The event was supported by Hirdesh Gupta, Founder of IDUK.

The representatives from India, led by Nachiket Joshi, included key figures such as MLA Dr Pradyuman Vaja, Himanshu Vyas, NRGC Chairman, Abhay Pratap Singh of APS Judicial Academy, Ronak Patel, Public figure from Gujarat, Presidential Awardee Padma Yangchan, Fashion Designer and others who played a pivotal role in the three-day event.

The conclave celebrated the shared goals of effective governance and sustainable development, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations.