Shilpi Madan
01-Oct-2025
The ITE Group turbocharges the great economic reset by linking Indian SMEs and exporters to expansive opportunities in Russia, CIS, BRICS+, and beyond.
Call it perfect timing. With the increasing instability of the dollar, fluctuating prices of gold, and India’s strategic rise in the global economy hierarchy, the stage is set for the country’s deep dive into prospective markets across the world. Global exhibition leader ITE Group – rooted in Russia – is catalysing dialogue between India’s exporters and the viable economic opportunities in Russia and CIS markets in a dynamic move that promises to contour India’s exports beyond oil and commodities.
The ITE Group organised the first-ever B2B roadshows in India: in Delhi (10th September) and Mumbai (12th September) to link the colossal volume of small and mid-sized players in the country to evolving avenues across Russia and the CIS, amidst the changing geopolitical climate worldwide.
Powered by Dmitry Zavgorodniy, ITE Group CEO, and Katerina Filunets, ITE Group GM, the interactive sessions uncovered strong dynamics in global movement and diplomacy with Indian SME brands – from a realm of sectors including food, interiors, design, packaging, manufacturing, and construction – who were invited to explore trade partnerships across Russia and the wider CIS. India has always been perceived globally as a trusted political, economic and cultural ally of Russia and this timely move distils newer vistas for the Indian economy to flourish more. Beyond the borders.
Excerpts from a conversation with Katerina Filunets.
1. Why ITE Group and why now?
The ITE Group was set up in 1991 in Russia (when the USSR disintegrated). With over 30 years of credibility, experience, and expertise, we bring in strategic positioning, a diverse portfolio, market-leading shows, year-round community engagement, operational excellence, and government support.
Russia’s industrial market is undergoing rapid technology renewal across infrastructure, energy, transport, shipbuilding, and chemical and oil and gas sectors. With major state-backed projects until 2030, with secure funding and long-term procurement cycles, there is space for alternative partners after Western suppliers’ exit. This is an amazing time in the geopolitical climate, especially for businesses looking for more stability. Backed by market research, we are here to simplify processes for exporters who wish to understand ways to diversify. Our focus is on opening opportunities in the BRICS+ nations as well by catalysing dialogue.
2. As you steer meaningful global expansions, how important is India as a market?
We see India as our key partner. It has the ambition to grow in exports and ranks as the number one market for us.
3. What is the two-pronged approach employed in the roadshows?
In our debut editions of the ITE roadshows in Delhi and Mumbai, we are educating stakeholders through personal interface, digital dialogue, and promotional marketing to create awareness of the robust markets available for expansion beyond borders. The idea is to build communication corridors, share knowledge, set webinars afoot, and educate exporters and suppliers beyond the SME segment about the opportunities in the Russian and CIS markets. We are focusing on sector-by-sector potential, spotlighting the voids and hence the potential for expansion, explaining certification, payment systems, and eligibility to clarify processes.
Simultaneously we are aligning ourselves with government associations in India, bringing all SMEs, stakeholders and companies that already export to Russia to tap into newer sectors there.
4. What is the growth indicator that you target?
Doubling the revenue by financial year-end. Based in Dubai, I am heading international outbound sales across the world, except for China. With businesses looking for greater stability, the time is right to explore markets beyond borders. Exports from India to Russia and the CIS are growing exponentially at +30 per cent year on year.
5. How many sectors have you identified to tap into?
Over 20. India has been exporting pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, machinery, and equipment. We are looking at exploring sectors including health, construction, realty and more. The focus is on stretching the umbrella wide first and then progressing vertically in terms of deeper growth.
6. What is your biggest challenge?
Personally, not enough time and lack of sleep!
7. How has the response been to the roadshows?
Tremendous. The roadshows will be an annual feature subsequently and we will take them to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, and Morbi – the ceramic capital of India.
8. You’re a self-confessed Indophile.
I love India! For the people, culture, and cuisines. Everyone is warm and effusive, the variety of food is amazing and the land is full of colours.
