Question : . INDIA RUSSIA FORUM ON TRADE

(a) whether eighth session of the India-Russia Forum on Trade and investment has been held in the recent past;

(b) if so, the details of issues raised therein;

(c) the sectors in which India has sought Russian support and Russian reaction thereto;

(d) the extent to which the Government has been able to remove red tape and provide single window clearance for investors so far;

(e) whether Russian delegation was interested to enhance bilateral investment and trade cooperation in aviation and energy sectors; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a): Yes, Madam, the eight session of the India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment was held in New Delhi on November 5, 2014.

(b): The Forum enables B2B interactions among members of industry of India and Russia. This year, panel discussions were held on Pharmaceutical, Infrastructure & Manufacturing sector. Other issues discussed in the Forum included the Make In India Programme & possibilities of partnerships in Smart Cities, Industrial Corridors and Industrial Parks.

(c): India has sought cooperation from Russia in various sectors including the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Railway Wagon Manufacturing, Construction and Mining equipment, development of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs), production of CRGO grade Steel etc. The response of the Russian side was positive.

(d): A number of steps have been taken by the Government to improve ease of doing business in India in the recent months. These include de-licensing and deregulation of large number of items under Defense Manufacturing; introduction of 24x7 online application filing system for Industrial Licenses; introduction of self-attestation and third party audit; and liberalization of FDI Policy.

(e) & (f): Yes, Madam: The Russian side expressed their interest in production of civil aircraft, light transport aircraft and helicopter in India with Russian technology. The Indian Government has welcomed the Russian interest and is committed to enhance bilateral investment and trade cooperation.