During the RUSSOFT business mission to India, the President of the RUSSOFT Association, Valentin Makarov, gave an interview to BIGSTORY Network, where he raised the questions of the strategic directions of cooperation between Russia and India, the development of sovereign technologies, and prospects for joint projects in AI, quantum computing and new technology markets.
One of the key topics of the conversation was a partnership model based not on selling closed “black-box” solutions, but on joint development and the exchange of expertise. Valentin Makarov emphasized the importance of building long-term cooperation grounded in independent technologies:
«We are not talking about selling ‘black boxes’ solutions, but about a full-scale technological partnership – transferring competences, developing solutions together, and training specialists. About creating technologies that are effective, independent, resistant to cyberattacks, and can be produced in India without external dependence».
Valentin Makarov noted that Russia and India have complementary capabilities and together can form a world-class technological competence pool:
«The innovative engineering tradition of Russia and India’s strong innovation potential allow us to build a joint pool of competences – not only in IT, but also in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum technologies».
According to him, the model of Russia–India technological cooperation has a strong potential for scaling and can be in demand across Asia, Africa, and Latin America:
«When this model is implemented in India, it can be extended to other regions — Africa, Latin America, the Arab world».
The discussion also touched upon technologies of the future. Valentin Makarov stressed that joint work will allow both countries to enter the global technological landscape:
«The future lies in artificial intelligence, AI safety, blockchain and independent payment systems, quantum computers and communications — technologies that will create entirely new markets which do not yet exist».
Speaking about AI, he noted that international cooperation is crucial for achieving global competitiveness:
«If we try to become world leaders alone, we won’t succeed. But in partnership with India, we can approach China’s level much faster and work on equal terms».
The conversation also addressed the potential of deeper technological cooperation between Russia, India, and China. According to Valentin Makarov, such a model may accelerate the development of high-tech industries:
«Three-party cooperation is always stronger than any bilateral format. Russia, India and China can develop technologies together without confronting anyone and can make them accessible to other countries».
Another important part of the interview concerned the development of Russia’s AI ecosystem and opportunities for collaboration with India:
«A unified AI ecosystem is now forming in Russia. We are combining major companies with industrial teams, and together we represent a strong technological framework».
Valentin Makarov also highlighted the need for coordinated AI standards and joint certification procedures:
«We need shared AI standards, joint certification laboratories and regulatory frameworks that work for all participating countries».
In conclusion, the RUSSOFT President emphasized the role of business diplomacy in accelerating technological cooperation between Russia and India:
«Business diplomacy plays a crucial role. We need a mechanism that accelerates joint projects — and we will definitely work on it».
The interview also covered the development of quantum technologies, prospects for industrial AI solutions, and the formation of international competence centers.
The full interview is available via the link: https://youtu.be/N58LOuuBRXY.
