Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov visited the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) pavilion at Bharat Mandapam on Thursday during the second day of INNOPROM India 2026, as India and Russia explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in manufacturing, industrial technology and investment.
The visit followed the ministers’ bilateral meeting and formed part of their walkthrough of the exhibition. They interacted with the NICDC team and were briefed on initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s industrial and manufacturing ecosystem.
Focus on Industrial Infrastructure and Investment
NICDC showcased key initiatives under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), Industrial Smart Cities, PM MITRA Parks, the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA), the Industrial Corridor Land Platform (ICLP) and digital logistics solutions developed by NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL).
The presentation highlighted the potential for India-Russia cooperation in manufacturing, localisation, industrial technology and investment, particularly as companies from both countries explore opportunities to expand their industrial presence.
The NICDC pavilion attracted domestic and international delegates, including industry representatives, investors, technology companies and business delegations. Visitors showed interest in industrial locations, infrastructure readiness, connectivity, land availability and opportunities to establish manufacturing operations in India.
NICDC CEO and Managing Director Rajat Kumar Saini, IAS, also visited the pavilion and reviewed investor engagement and outreach activities during the exhibition.
B2B Talks Span Multiple Industries
NICDC held a series of B2B meetings with Russian counterparts, BRICS delegates, prospective investors and industry representatives. Discussions focused on potential manufacturing partnerships, localisation, technology collaboration, supply-chain integration and opportunities in India’s emerging Industrial Smart Cities.
The engagements covered a wide range of sectors, including advanced engineering, machinery and equipment, transport systems, automobiles, metals, energy, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and advanced manufacturing technologies.
NICDC highlighted the ability of its Industrial Smart Cities to support companies looking to establish or expand manufacturing operations through serviced industrial land, quality infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and investor facilitation.
The discussions also explored partnerships between Indian and Russian manufacturers, technology providers and supply-chain participants.
INNOPROM Opens New Avenue for Industrial Cooperation
The first edition of INNOPROM being held in India has provided a platform for direct interaction among government representatives, industry players and investors from India and Russia, facilitating discussions on industrial and technology cooperation.
The strong response at the NICDC pavilion on the second day reflected continued international interest in India’s industrial development programme and its manufacturing investment opportunities.
NICDC will continue its investor outreach and B2B engagements on September 11, the concluding day of INNOPROM India 2026, with a focus on advancing discussions initiated during the exhibition.
The engagements are part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, attract global investment and build globally competitive industrial ecosystems under Make in India and Viksit Bharat @2047.
