Tatarstan expands network of partnerships with Indian cities

As part of implementing the agreements between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen bilateral partnership, cities from both countries are actively joining global integration processes. Direct dialogue between municipalities allows them to swiftly find common ground, bypassing traditional bureaucratic chains. Interaction between twin towns enables them to transform friendly relations into long-term economic partnership. Successful case studies and prospects for international cooperation at the municipal level will be the main topic of the ‘Russia – India: Municipal Dialogue’ session. The discussion will begin on 15 October at 10:00 as part of the business programme of the TIME 2026 Business Forum.

The session will feature the experience of Tatarstan, which is systematically expanding direct links with Indian municipalities, as key case studies. For instance, in March 2026, Nizhnekamsk concluded a twinning agreement with the city of Bareilly, Buinsk signed a cooperation agreement with Faridabad, and the Spassky District continues negotiations to establish twin-town relations with Agra. Kazan is developing partnership contacts with several Indian cities and states.

The agreement between Nizhnekamsk and Bareilly was signed on the fringes of the BRICS+ Cities Association meeting. It provides for cooperation in various fields.

Representatives of the Indian city were also invited to the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Nizhnekamsk. The municipal authorities expect that a further boost to relations will be provided by the TIME Russia–India Business Forum, which will take place in Kazan on 14–17 October.

The Spassky District and Agra are linked by an agreement of intent to establish twin-town relations, signed in 2025. Negotiations on further interaction are ongoing, the municipality's press service reported.

Kazan concluded a partnership agreement with Hyderabad back in 2001. In 2024–2026, the geography of contacts expanded, with representatives from Thrissur, Jaipur, Anantapur, Kolhapur, Nashik, Trivandrum, and the states of Telangana and Kerala participating in joint events. Implemented initiatives include the participation of Indian teenagers in the BRICS Youth Festival in Kazan in 2025 and cultural projects with the Russian House in Trivandrum.

The Kazan City Hall notes that while cooperation is currently focused predominantly on the humanitarian sphere, business links have potential for growth. The experience of Nizhnekamsk shows that twin-town relations can also become a foundation for economic projects. In particular, cooperation with China's Meishan led to the creation of the Kamastal enterprise, which is expanding and launching a new investment project.

‘International cooperation makes sense only when agreements are followed by real action – investment, new technologies, and educational and cultural projects. It is this pragmatic approach that distinguishes twin-town relations from other formats, where the focus is often solely on humanitarian exchanges. In this case, twin-town relations become a tool for finding reliable partners and attracting economic benefits,’ emphasised Radmir Belyaev, the Mayor of Nizhnekamsk.

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.