Today, Russia is among India’s top four trading partners. You have clearly contributed directly to this process. What would you highlight first as your main personal achievement in strengthening and expanding Russian-Indian partnership? What are you particularly proud of?

I’ve always believed that communication is key to any partnership. It was important for us to break down established stereotypes. India is more than just a supplier of tea and spices, while Russia means more than just oil and vodka. Personally, I’m proud that I managed to build a bridge between the two countries: creating recognizable brands from each side. And it’s not just business: I have worked with universities, regions, government bodies. I’m proud that, as a foreigner living in Russia and someone who hasn’t lived long-term in India, I’ve been able to facilitate the flow of information, ideas, and business opportunities between our countries.

The Indian Business Council was established in 2021. Why did its creation become urgently necessary at that time?

Relations between India and Russia have always been warm but B2B cooperation remained a weak link for a long time. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was little progress in business communications. Together with former Indian Ambassador to Russia Mr. Venkatesh Varma and his team, we actively discussed how to change the situation. This produced the idea of establishing a young, dynamic, and flexible organization, the Indian Business Council, which became a true bridge and facilitator between businesspeople of both countries. I’m glad that both businesses and authorities of our countries supported us.

I’ll be honest, I’d like to go down in history as someone who helped to bring our countries closer together. Russia and India complement each other perfectly: you have what we need and we have what you require. It would be a shame to miss out on the potential of this collaboration.

Have over a quarter-century of life in Russia made you somewhat Russian in certain ways? What do you think is the defining trait of Russianness?

Absolutely yes! I arrived in Russia at the age of 21, during my formative years. In many ways I now feel distinctly Russian. I developed a fondness for sincere toasts, directness, punctuality. Even my style of dress has become closer to Russian norms. For me, the core trait of Russianness is honesty, openness, reliability, and incredible resilience. Russians are people who don’t give up; they always fight for their own. In this respect, we resemble one another, especially those of us from Punjab, where my ancestors hail from. Your national spirit and warmth resonate deeply with me.

In November last year, the meeting of the Indian Business Council Core Committee was held at the White Rabbit restaurant. Does this mean you’ve fallen in love with Russian cuisine? How does Russia taste to you?

I’m definitely smitten with the flavours of Russia! Russian cuisine appeals to me with its simplicity and authenticity: minimal ingredients, maximum meaning. It’s quite different from India, where everything is bursting with diverse tastes. Sometimes it’s nice to eat something simple; I really enjoy vinaigrette salad and Napoleon cake. Although being vegetarian in Russia in the early ‘90s was challenging, things have improved greatly now. I particularly appreciate the Lenten period: that’s when many interesting vegetarian dishes appear. Turns out, Russian cuisine can, indeed, exist without meat! If only there were fasting menus all year round!

How are things going with Indian restaurants in Moscow and other cities across Russia? Could you recommend any favourites?

There are already several Indian restaurants in Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are also good establishments in Tver, Volgograd, and Kazan. Though perhaps I’d like to see even more, ranging from affordable cafeterias to fine dining venues, including those aspiring to Michelin stars. Indian cuisine is rich: we have 25 states, each with its unique gastronomy. Frankly speaking, even we Indians don’t always manage to try everything within a lifetime! Speaking specifically about Moscow, I’ll mention Delhi 6 and Dhaba. But most importantly, Indian cuisine is a way of expressing feelings. Food for us is part of the soul, culture, art. We express love through food, just like in dance, music or painting. In this sense, I believe we could enrich the Russian culinary scene as well.