New Delhi will host the III Smart Cities Forum on March 24, 2026, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and global experts to discuss the future of urban innovation, financial technologies, and strategic cooperation between Russia and India. The event will take place at The Oberoi New Delhi and is expected to serve as a key platform for strengthening bilateral ties and advancing sustainable urban development.
The Forum comes at a time when cities are increasingly seen as engines of economic growth, innovation, and investment in a rapidly evolving digital world. Against this backdrop, the event will focus on building smart, technology-driven urban ecosystems while fostering a culture of trust and transparency in governance and business.
The day will begin with participant registration and a welcoming coffee session, followed by a high-level plenary session. The opening discussion will emphasize the growing importance of Russia–India cooperation in shaping smart city frameworks and promoting sustainable economic models. Key speakers will include Denis Alipov, Sergey Cheremin, and Vinamra Mishra, alongside other prominent figures from government and industry.
The plenary session will be moderated by Alexey Bondaruk, who is expected to guide discussions on practical approaches to smart city financial architecture and the role of trust as a cornerstone of economic value. The session will also highlight opportunities to deepen intergovernmental dialogue and expand business partnerships between Moscow and India.
A dedicated session on “Financial Technologies for Smart Cities” will explore how cities can develop transparent and resilient financial infrastructures. Moderated by Andrey Mikhailishin, the discussion will cover topics such as decentralized payment systems, AI-driven financial management, and the use of digital assets to attract investment. Industry leaders including Dilip Chenoy and Pranjal Sharma will share insights on emerging financial ecosystems and their impact on urban transformation.
Following a networking break, the Forum will host a session titled “Culture of Trust: Values-Based Culture,” focusing on the importance of transparency, accountability, and collaboration in ensuring sustainable development. Moderated by Alexander Ageev, the session will bring together international voices to discuss how trust-driven frameworks can strengthen economic resilience and social stability in an increasingly complex global environment.
The Forum will conclude with a roundtable discussion on “Russia–India: Strategic Partnership in the Pharmaceutical Industry.” This session will examine how the two countries can leverage their respective strengths in science, innovation, and manufacturing to build mutually beneficial partnerships. Discussions will also focus on creating favorable investment environments, expanding joint ventures, and fostering long-term cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector.
Overall, the III Smart Cities Forum is set to highlight the growing strategic partnership between Russia and India while offering actionable insights into the future of smart cities, financial innovation, and global collaboration. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts, the event aims to contribute to the development of sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced urban ecosystems.
