The Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow to Take Part in SPIEF‑2026

The Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow will traditionally take part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, to be held from June 3 to 6, 2026. For Moscow, SPIEF is one of the key platforms for direct dialogue with international partners, discussing projects, and exploring new opportunities for international cooperation.

This year’s forum theme – “Pragmatic Dialogue – The Path to a Stable Future” – is particularly relevant to agenda of the Department for External Economic and International Relations. The focus will be not only on global economic challenges but also on specific mechanisms that help cities, regions, and businesses build sustainable ties in a changing environment.

One of the key events of the business program will be the “Russia – India” business dialogue, to be held on June 4. The session will be moderated by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, and Chairman of the Board of the Business Council for Cooperation with India. The discussion will bring together representatives of government authorities, diplomatic corps, regions, the financial sector, industry, pharmaceuticals, technology companies, and business communities from Russia and India. Confirmed speakers include Denis Alipov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of India; Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Russian Federation; Alexey Chekunkov, Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic; Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications of the Government of Andhra Pradesh; Vladimir Ilyichev, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; and Sammy Kotwani, President of the Indian Business Alliance. They will discuss the current state and prospects of the Russian‑Indian strategic partnership. Particular attention will be paid to issues related to the implementation of the economic cooperation program up to 2030, the modernization of trade and economic mechanisms, attracting investment, and building a more balanced trade structure.

On the same day, Sergey Cheremin will take part in the “Russia – Thailand” business dialogue: “New Dimensions for Trade and Investment.” The discussion will also be joined by Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Russian Federation; Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; and other officials. Participants will examine which mutual investment mechanisms are most effective for diversifying trade and economic ties, and which new areas – including the creative economy and healthcare – could become the foundation for future Russia‑Thailand cooperation. During the session, the Head of DVMIS will present Moscow’s approaches to developing cooperation with Thai partners and discuss promising joint projects.

Department representatives will also join the case session “A New Phase of Russian‑Chinese Investment Partnership: Trends and Strategies for Russian Regions.” Russian‑Chinese business interaction is increasingly moving to the regional level. It is the regions that are becoming the primary platform for Chinese capital and the implementation of projects with tangible economic impact. The session will focus on effective practices of interregional cooperation. The discussion will help outline practical approaches to help Russian regions build more substantive cooperation with Chinese partners.

On the sidelines of the forum, working meetings will be held with representatives of foreign businesses, international organizations, and government authorities. Their main goal is to develop practical cooperation, strengthen existing contacts, and identify new growth points for Moscow’s foreign economic activity.

In addition, during SPIEF‑2026, the Business Council for Cooperation with India, chaired by Sergey Cheremin, and the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation will sign a cooperation program. The document will aim to develop joint educational and scientific initiatives.

The participation of the Department for External Economic and International Relations in SPIEF‑2026 will continue Moscow’s systematic work to develop international business ties. The forum will allow the capital to present its approaches to practical cooperation with foreign partners, discuss promising projects, and strengthen Moscow’s role as one of the key centers of international economic dialogue.