Unlocking Global Trade Synergies: First India–Russia AEO Seminar: FIEO

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), in collaboration with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Embassy of Russia in India, successfully hosted the First India–Russia AEO Seminar under the theme “Unlocking Global Trade Synergies.”
 
The seminar marked a key initiative to deepen India–Russia trade cooperation by promoting the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework. The MRA aims to simplify and expedite customs procedures, strengthen trust between both customs administrations, and boost bilateral trade efficiency.
 
Mr Surjit Bhujabal, Member (Customs) and Special Secretary, CBIC, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while notable dignitaries included Mr S C Ralhan, President, FIEO; Mr Roman Babushkin, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of Russia in India; Mr Igor Ten, Representative, Federal Customs Service (FCS) Russia; Mr Ivan Nosov, CEO, SBER Bank; Mr Akhil Kumar Khatri, Principal Commissioner, Directorate of International Customs (DIC), CBIC; Senior Russian Customs officials, representatives from trade and banking sectors, and over 200 participants from both countries attended the seminar.
 
In his welcome address, FIEO President, Mr S C Ralhan highlighted that FIEO, representing over 37,000 exporters including 5,000 status holders, considers the India–Russia AEO MRA a strategic lever to boost bilateral trade, currently valued at $11 billion across key sectors such as petroleum, gold, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
 
He added, “This partnership comes at a proud moment as FIEO celebrates its 60th anniversary. We are committed to making India’s exports more globally competitive, and this collaboration is a crucial step toward balancing our trade with Russia by enhancing export opportunities.”
 
Mr Surjit Bhujabal, in his address, congratulated FIEO on its 60 years of service and emphasised the growing significance of India–Russia trade, reiterating the government’s support for faster, tech-enabled customs cooperation.
 
The seminar featured focused technical sessions and panel discussions covering: (i) Benefits and practical implementation of the India–Russia AEO MRA. (ii) Presentation on Russia’s Center of Monitoring and Operative Control for cargo tracking and customs clearance. (iii) Insights into banking, logistics, and insurance facilitation and (iv) Interactive Q&A with exporters and B2B networking, including SBER Bank.
 
The panel discussions brought together experts from CBIC, Russian Customs, FIEO, and trade and banking sectors, who shared actionable insights to promote trade facilitation.
 
FIEO reaffirms its commitment to working with national and international stakeholders to make India a key player in global trade and to support the government’s vision of a $2 trillion export economy.