India has put up an impressive show at INNOPROM 2016, the largest annual international industrial trade fair of Russia. India is the Partner Country for INNOPROM 2016. India showcased its strengths in the area of manufacturing and engineering at the Opening Ceremony of INNOPROM 2016 on July 10, 2016. Leading the Indian delegation, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce & Industry, delivered a welcome address followed by the cultural showcase from India. The other chief guests at the Opening Ceremony included Mr Denis Manturov, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Russian Federation and Mr Evgeny Kuyvashev, Governor of Russia's Sverdlovsk Region.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, said, “We are proud to be the Partner Country at INNOPROM 2016. The Indian companies participating at INNOPROM 2016 will highlight the strengths in the area of engineering and innovation under the ‘Brand India Engineering’ campaign. There is a strong potential for growth in India-Russia bilateral trade. Be it high-end engineering, or manufacturing, India is moving towards being synonymous to quality, reliability & durability.”

Ms Nirmala Sitharaman also held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Trade & Industry, Russia- Mr. Denis Manturov and discussed various specifics to further strengthen India-Russia industrial & trading ties. She also participated in the India- Russia business forum where she stressed on strong business to business ties between India & Russia. The India- Russia business forum is expected to form business associations between various Indian & global firms.

The formal inauguration of the India pavilion took place on July 11, 2016 by Ms Nirmala Sitharaman and Mr Denis Manturov in the presence of Mr Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Ms Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan and various other important members from the Russian and Indian business community.

The Indian exhibition at the Trade Fair covers an area of around 3,600 square metres. As many as 110 companies (spread in over 100 stands) are taking part in the technological and engineering trade fair, including the Department of Heavy Industries, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Bharat Forge, Sun Group, NTPC, NHPC and Ace Designers to name a few.

International trade relations strengthened by India showcasing engineering capabilities at a major industrial fair and bilateral meetings. India promoted bilateral trade and manufacturing interests at INNOPROM 2016 by showcasing engineering and innovation under the 'Brand India Engineering' campaign, engaging in bilateral discussions with Russian counterparts to enhance industrial cooperation and business to business links, and presenting a large pavilion featuring over a hundred Indian companies and government departments to generate commercial associations and technology partnerships.