NEW DELHI: At the II Smart Cities Forum: Russian-Indian Interregional Cooperation, Sammy Kotwani, President of the Indian Business Alliance in Russia, shared his views on India-Russia ties, smart cities, and global trade policies.
Speaking exclusively to The New Indian, Kotwani dismissed concerns that Trumpโs tariff policies would affect India-Russia relations. โIndia-Russia relations have nothing to do with Trump. Itโs a very strong, robust partnership,โ he said.
He criticized Trumpโs approach, calling him โa difficult character.โ He added, โHe talks too much. A head of state should focus on action, not just words. Business cannot be conducted through threats; it should be handled politically and diplomatically.โ He firmly stated, โItโs a bad move.โ
Despite global trade tensions, he remains confident in India-Russia ties. โWe have been old friends. We learn from each other. Whatever is good, we take, and whatever we have that is good, we share,โ he stated.
The II Smart Cities Forum: Russian-Indian Interregional Cooperation was organized by the Government of Moscow, the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, the Embassy of Russia in India, the Trade Representation of Russia in India, the Business Council for Cooperation with India, ANO โMoscow Center for International Cooperation,โ the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia, and the Indian Business Alliance.
On smart city development, Kotwani highlighted Russiaโs advancements. โIndia can learn from one of the smartest cities. Prime Minister Modi always says, โWhatever you have that is good, give it to us, and whatever we have that is good, you take it from us.โโ
When asked about Russian investments in India, he emphasized joint ventures and local production. โSmart cities are not a single project; they are a large-scale initiative. Investors need to establish joint ventures or set up their own production in India. They must come to India,โ he explained.
The event brought together Russian and Indian government officials, along with leading companies in information technology and urban infrastructure development. Discussions focused on Moscowโs investment opportunities, sustainable economic growth, and initiatives aimed at creating a comfortable urban environment. Special attention was given to themes of green and socially oriented economies, contributing to efficient resource use and improved quality of life for citizens.
Kotwani praised Gujaratโs progress in becoming a smart city hub. โGujarat is on the right track, and soon, many cities will follow,โ he said.
