Against the backdrop of growing ties, sports cooperation between Russia and India will become one of the key vectors of the 2nd "TIME" Russia–India Business Forum, which is set to take place in Kazan on 14–17 October 2026.
Sport has historically united both nations, acting as a powerful driver of public diplomacy. Whilst Russia is renowned for its large-scale physical culture movements and strong school of Olympic disciplines, in India, cricket has long transcended being a mere game to become a true cultural phenomenon, with tens of millions of spectators closely following the national team’s matches. This mutual synergy opens up new horizons for a strategic partnership capable of strengthening not only intergovernmental economic alliances but also direct humanitarian ties, fostering deep trust and genuine mutual interest.
The centrepiece of this track will be the specialised session entitled "Sport as a Strategic Resource: New Horizons for the Russia–India Partnership". Participants will examine prospects for joint sporting events, exchange programmes, investment projects, and opportunities to popularise and develop cricket in both countries.
The sports track is organised by the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan. The session will take place in Kazan, at the TSUM venue, and will bring together representatives from sports authorities, federations, and the business communities of Russia and India. The session will be moderated by Marat Bariev, Member of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Sports Council of the Republic.
One of the central themes will be cricket – India’s most popular sport, which has the potential to become the foundation for new joint initiatives. Igor Kazikov, President of the Russian Cricket Union, will outline the opportunities for developing the discipline in Russia, ranging from student tournaments to a professional league. Furthermore, participants will examine prospects for sports exchanges and staging joint events.
Particular attention will be paid to the economic component of cooperation within the sports sector. The agenda includes public–private partnerships, import substitution, investments in sports infrastructure, technology exchange, and the organisation of training camps. Representatives from the Indian side will be able to discuss opportunities for interaction with Tatarstan and Russian sports organisations.
‘Sport is an excellent way of bringing businesses closer together. As far as India is concerned, we should also look into chess and badminton,’ emphasised Taliya Minullina, Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency.
An important practical component of the programme will be the Russia–India Friendship Cricket Championship, which will take place on 15 and 16 October with the support of the Cricket Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan. Four teams will participate in the tournament: two from Russia and two from India. A chess tournament will also be held as part of the forum, with organisational support provided by the Chess Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan. This event will seamlessly complement the forum's sports programme and clearly demonstrate the multi-faceted nature of Russia–India cooperation in the field of sport – from team disciplines to intellectual competitions.
‘Sport is not only about competitions and achievements, but also an opportunity to build long-term international ties. Tatarstan possesses a well-developed sports infrastructure and extensive experience in hosting major international events, whilst India has significant potential for cooperation within the sports sector. I am confident that the sports programme of the “TIME” Forum will help strengthen contacts between our countries, expand the exchange of experience, and create the necessary conditions for joint projects – ranging from the development of cricket and athlete training to staging joint events,’ noted Vladimir Leonov, Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Media accreditationfor the TIME Forum is available via the link until 10 October 2026.
Official website of the TIME Forum.
Useful information about the Forum via the link.
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The II Russian-Indian Business Forum "TIME: Tatarstan Initiative Mutual Efficiency" will take place from 14 to 17 October 2026 in Kazan, with the business programme scheduled for 15–16 October. The Forum aims to develop trade, economic, investment, scientific, technological, and humanitarian co-operation between the regions of Russia and the administrative divisions of India. The focus will be on practical business opportunities, new partnerships, and joint projects.
The business programme will cover key areas of Russia–India interaction: petrochemistry, finance and investment, logistics, medicine and pharmaceuticals, education and science, agriculture, IT and startups, textile manufacturing, creative industries, and the film industry. The forum itinerary includes a plenary session, an enterprise exhibition, B2B meetings, a masterclass on doing business with India, as well as a cultural and sports programme.
The ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” is acting as the operator for the preparation and implementation of the TIME Forum.
Sport has historically united both nations, acting as a powerful driver of public diplomacy. Whilst Russia is renowned for its large-scale physical culture movements and strong school of Olympic disciplines, in India, cricket has long transcended being a mere game to become a true cultural phenomenon, with tens of millions of spectators closely following the national team’s matches. This mutual synergy opens up new horizons for a strategic partnership capable of strengthening not only intergovernmental economic alliances but also direct humanitarian ties, fostering deep trust and genuine mutual interest.
The centrepiece of this track will be the specialised session entitled "Sport as a Strategic Resource: New Horizons for the Russia–India Partnership". Participants will examine prospects for joint sporting events, exchange programmes, investment projects, and opportunities to popularise and develop cricket in both countries.
The sports track is organised by the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan. The session will take place in Kazan, at the TSUM venue, and will bring together representatives from sports authorities, federations, and the business communities of Russia and India. The session will be moderated by Marat Bariev, Member of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Sports Council of the Republic.
One of the central themes will be cricket – India’s most popular sport, which has the potential to become the foundation for new joint initiatives. Igor Kazikov, President of the Russian Cricket Union, will outline the opportunities for developing the discipline in Russia, ranging from student tournaments to a professional league. Furthermore, participants will examine prospects for sports exchanges and staging joint events.
Particular attention will be paid to the economic component of cooperation within the sports sector. The agenda includes public–private partnerships, import substitution, investments in sports infrastructure, technology exchange, and the organisation of training camps. Representatives from the Indian side will be able to discuss opportunities for interaction with Tatarstan and Russian sports organisations.
‘Sport is an excellent way of bringing businesses closer together. As far as India is concerned, we should also look into chess and badminton,’ emphasised Taliya Minullina, Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency.
An important practical component of the programme will be the Russia–India Friendship Cricket Championship, which will take place on 15 and 16 October with the support of the Cricket Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan. Four teams will participate in the tournament: two from Russia and two from India. A chess tournament will also be held as part of the forum, with organisational support provided by the Chess Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan. This event will seamlessly complement the forum's sports programme and clearly demonstrate the multi-faceted nature of Russia–India cooperation in the field of sport – from team disciplines to intellectual competitions.
‘Sport is not only about competitions and achievements, but also an opportunity to build long-term international ties. Tatarstan possesses a well-developed sports infrastructure and extensive experience in hosting major international events, whilst India has significant potential for cooperation within the sports sector. I am confident that the sports programme of the “TIME” Forum will help strengthen contacts between our countries, expand the exchange of experience, and create the necessary conditions for joint projects – ranging from the development of cricket and athlete training to staging joint events,’ noted Vladimir Leonov, Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Media accreditationfor the TIME Forum is available via the link until 10 October 2026.
Official website of the TIME Forum.
Useful information about the Forum via the link.
*****
The II Russian-Indian Business Forum "TIME: Tatarstan Initiative Mutual Efficiency" will take place from 14 to 17 October 2026 in Kazan, with the business programme scheduled for 15–16 October. The Forum aims to develop trade, economic, investment, scientific, technological, and humanitarian co-operation between the regions of Russia and the administrative divisions of India. The focus will be on practical business opportunities, new partnerships, and joint projects.
The business programme will cover key areas of Russia–India interaction: petrochemistry, finance and investment, logistics, medicine and pharmaceuticals, education and science, agriculture, IT and startups, textile manufacturing, creative industries, and the film industry. The forum itinerary includes a plenary session, an enterprise exhibition, B2B meetings, a masterclass on doing business with India, as well as a cultural and sports programme.
The ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” is acting as the operator for the preparation and implementation of the TIME Forum.