Russian Consul General meets Gujarat CM, discusses cooperation in maritime transport, shipbuilding and education

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met the Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, Ivan Fetisov, in Gandhinagar on Friday, May 22. Photo credit: X/@Bhupendrapbjp

Russian Federation Consul General in Mumbai Ivan Fetisov paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday (May 22, 2026) and discussed opportunities for cooperation between Russia and Gujarat in sectors including maritime transport, shipbuilding and education.

During the meeting, Mr. Fetisov expressed interest in strengthening coordination and expanding cooperation with Gujarat in key sectors where the state has developed significant expertise.

Chief Minister Patel said Gujarat, with the country’s longest coastline, has developed a port-led growth model under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that nearly 40% of cargo handling in the country is done through ports in Gujarat.

The Chief Minister also said that Gujarat has emerged as a leader in ship recycling and shipbuilding and is moving towards becoming a modern educational hub through specialized institutions, including Gujarat Maritime University.

Mr. Fetisov noted that Russia participated as a partner country in the Vibrant Gujarat 2024 Global Summit and also joined the recent Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference as a partner organization.

He invited Mr. Patel to the upcoming business summit in St. Petersburg.

In response, Mr. Patel invited the Russian delegation to participate in the next edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

Additional Principal Secretary (Industries) Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, GIDC CEO Praveena DK and iNDEXTb Joint Managing Director Amit Prakash Yadav were present during the meeting.

Published – 23 May 2026 10:40 AM IST