A delegation of over 20 Indian exporters from the engineering sector has begun a four-day visit to Moscow, aiming to expand trade opportunities in Russia as India looks to diversify its export markets following steep tariff hikes by the United States.
According to news agency Reuters, the visit is part of New Delhi’s broader push to explore new export destinations after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50% in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
The move has strained bilateral relations between Washington and New Delhi, though both sides are working toward a trade agreement.
The delegation is led by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), with its president, SC Ralhan, stating that “Russia has been an important business partner for India, and the engineering and tools sector presents significant potential for collaboration.”
He added that India’s engineering exports to Russia are growing quickly and are expected to touch $1.75 billion this year.
As per news agency PTI, Indian participation in the Moscow International Tool Expo (MITEX 2025), running from November 11 to 14, will see companies display a wide range of products including hand tools, machinery parts, industrial hardware, fasteners, and other engineering solutions.
The exhibition is aimed at promoting Indian manufacturing and enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries.
Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal is scheduled to chair a buyer-seller meeting on November 14 in Moscow, said Ralhan.
He also noted that the event will serve as a platform for exporters to connect with Russian buyers and industry representatives.
As per Reuters, India’s exports to Russia rose 14.6% year-on-year to $4.9 billion in the 2024–25 fiscal year, while imports — mainly crude oil and energy products — increased 4.3% to $63.8 billion.
The rise in Indian exports comes as domestic firms fill supply gaps left by Western companies exiting Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
FIEO said that alongside the MITEX Expo, the Indian Embassy in Moscow and the commerce ministry will organise business-to-business meetings to encourage joint ventures, trade partnerships and stronger commercial linkages between Indian and Russian firms.
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