GTTCI MSME Connect – Global Growth Forum 2025

The MSME Connect – Global Growth Forum 2025, hosted by the Global Trade & Technology Council (India) (GTTCI), served as a landmark platform to commemorate the United Nations’ Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day. The forum brought together an esteemed gathering of diplomats, policymakers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and sectoral experts to foster dialogue, celebrate excellence, and strengthen global partnerships for MSME growth.

The event opened with a graceful Ganesh Vandana, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by GTTCI’s leadership, dignitaries, and special guests. The proceedings were led by Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder President, GTTCI, who in his Welcome Address, reaffirmed GTTCI’s commitment to globalising India’s MSME sector through strategic collaborations, especially in Russia, the CIS, Africa, and beyond. Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson, GTTCI, delivered a thought-provoking Keynote Address, calling for collective action to integrate Indian MSMEs into global value chains while embracing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Special Session on India-Uzbekistan Partnerships

A key highlight of the forum was the dedicated session on strengthening India-Uzbekistan economic ties. Dr. Rashmi Saluja spoke about GTTCI’s recent and ongoing efforts to formalise multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Uzbek companies. These MoUs are aimed at boosting bilateral investments in sports infrastructure and talent exchange, while also laying the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in medical education, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare delivery. H.E. Mr. Sardor M Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, emphasized the historic warmth and the promising future of India-Uzbekistan relations. Mr. Khurshidbek Samiev, Trade Counsellor, delivered a detailed and insightful presentation on Uzbekistan’s investment landscape, highlighting sectors such as textiles, agri-processing, infrastructure, and technology as promising areas for Indian MSME collaboration.

Exclusive Panel on India–Russia Trade Partnership

The exclusive panel on India-Russia trade relations focused on deepening economic engagement and exploring new frontiers for MSME collaboration. Dr. Rashmi Saluja, in her opening remarks as moderator, shared GTTCI’s recent participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, where the Council engaged in meaningful discussions with top Russian banks, including Sber Bank and VTB Bank. These engagements have set the stage for greater cooperation and investments between India and Russia, particularly to facilitate financial inclusion and support the growth of MSMEs. The panellists—Mr. Andrei Sobolev, Trade Commissioner of the Russian Federation in India; Mr. Sujeet Kumar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Mr. Rakesh Asthana, Chief Advisor, GTTCI; and Mr. Artem Batalov, Head of Corporate and F.I. Department, Sber Bank India—offered rich perspectives on banking and trade ecosystems. The panel deliberated on how participation of major Russian financial institutions will open new doors for Indian businesses, providing access to cross-border banking solutions, trade finance, and investment channels that can empower MSMEs and enhance the overall investment climate globally.

Panel on MSMEs as Drivers of Societal Impact: Health, Fitness & Inclusive Growth

This dynamic panel explored the transformative potential of MSMEs in driving societal impact, focusing on sectors such as medical tourism, education, hospitality, sports, wellness, and pharmaceuticals. The discussion illuminated how MSMEs are not just economic engines but also vital contributors to national well-being and soft power. Panellists included Dr. Harsha Jauhari, Chairman, Department of Renal Transplant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital; Padmashri Yogeshwar Dutt, Olympic medalist; Mr. Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, Fencing Association of India; Mr. Ramesh Aggarwal, Founder & Managing Director, Aggarwal Packers & Movers Ltd.; Mr. Sanjay Kaushik, Senior Regional Director, Radisson Hotel Group; and Ms. Elena Komarova, CEO, JSC VTB Bank, New Delhi. The session examined how MSMEs can amplify India’s presence in global medical tourism, wellness, and cultural sectors, and how partnerships can help scale up these initiatives to benefit society at large.

Panel on Innovation, Technology & Investment: Building the MSME Growth Ecosystem

This thought-leadership panel, moderated by Mr. Rakesh Asthana, Chief Advisor, GTTCI, focused on leveraging Cyber security, technology, data security, and innovative investment models to enable MSMEs to thrive in Industry 4.0. The discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities in access to capital, the critical importance of cyber security, and the need for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to strengthen MSMEs’ resilience. Contributions from Mr. Atul Mishra, Director, Data Security Council of India; Mr. Vikash Chourasia, Scientist, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology; Mr. R.K. Rai, Director, Office of Development Commissioner (MSME), Ministry of MSME; Mr. Rakesh Kumar, DG-EPCH & Chairman, IEML; Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, Head of Trade Office, Embassy of Vietnam; a senior diplomat from the Embassy of Italy; a senior diplomat from the Embassy of Suriname; and Mr. Sanjay Kathuria, noted investment coach, enriched the conversation. The panel extensively discussed how MSMEs can harness emerging technologies and data-driven solutions to achieve scale and competitiveness in global markets. The experts advocated for stronger PPP models, greater policy support, and capacity-building initiatives to bridge the digital divide and empower MSMEs to be the flag-bearers of India’s Industry 4.0 aspirations.

Panel on Empowering Indian MSMEs for Global Trade & Export Competitiveness

This vital panel, moderated by Mr. Jalaj Srivastava, General Secretary, GTTCI, focused on strategies to integrate Indian MSMEs into global value chains and enhance their export potential. The session addressed key pillars including government facilitation, access to new global markets, healthcare exports, policy reforms, and infrastructure readiness. Valuable insights were provided by diplomats from the Embassies of Ethiopia, Comoros, and Sri Lanka; Mr. Dhiraj Dhar Gupta, Director, Joyson Safety Systems; Mr. Rajnish Goenka, Founder, MSME Development Forum; Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder, Noida Film City & ICMEI; Mr. Pawan Kansal, Chairman & MD, Jagdamba Cutlery Ltd.; and Professor Shalini Sharma, Egrow Foundation. Together, they explored how India’s MSMEs can leverage policy shifts, digital trade platforms, and international collaborations to build robust export linkages and drive inclusive economic growth.

Special Session on Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare

A particularly engaging segment of the forum was the special session on medical tourism, led by Dr. Rashmi Saluja and Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman, Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH). This dialogue built upon the recently signed MoU between GTTCI and SGRH, aimed at creating a facilitation framework for international patients seeking healthcare in India. The session highlighted India’s emerging role as a trusted destination for affordable, high-quality medical care, and the significant opportunities this presents for MSMEs in the healthcare ecosystem—including hospitality, logistics, wellness, and support services. The discussion reinforced the shared vision of transforming India into a global hub for medical tourism through streamlined facilitation, capacity building, and international partnerships.

Entrepreneurs of Global Change – Recognising Visionary Leaders

A defining feature of the forum was the felicitation of global leaders who have made exemplary contributions towards international cooperation, inclusive development, and MSME advancement.

Mr. Orinbaev Amanbay Tleubaevich, Chairman of Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, was honoured for his visionary leadership in promoting inclusive governance, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. His work has significantly advanced economic engagement between Karakalpakstan and India, particularly in agriculture, small industries, and community-driven enterprise models.

Ms. Olga Basha, Member of the Board, VTB Bank, Russian Federation, was recognised for her pivotal role in strengthening Indo-Russian financial cooperation. Her leadership in trade finance and cross-border banking has opened new avenues for bilateral economic collaboration, contributing to institutional frameworks that facilitate secure financial transactions between the two nations.

Ms. Angelina Morgun, Head of International Relations, Gazprom Bank, Russian Federation, was awarded for her outstanding efforts in building financial partnerships that underpin Russia-India trade and investment. Her strategic initiatives have enhanced the ease of doing business, ensuring robust financial pathways that support MSME-led growth across borders.

Ms. Galina Karelova, Chairman of the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum under the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, was felicitated for her tireless advocacy of women’s empowerment and inclusive economic development. Her initiatives have fostered dialogue, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural partnerships that strengthen Indo-Russian ties while promoting gender equity.

Dr. Fatema Abdul Jabbar Mahmood Alkooheji, Member of the Shura Council, Kingdom of Bahrain, was celebrated for her impactful contributions to progressive policies and entrepreneurship. Her work has led to stronger Bahrain-India cooperation in innovation, women-led businesses, and business development.

Ms. Saloni Goel, Sr. Director – ESG Value Creation & Commercialization, Coca-Cola India Pvt. Ltd., was honoured for her pioneering efforts in ESG leadership. Her notable initiatives during large-scale events like the Kumbh Mela have advanced India’s global partnerships in sustainability and public health.

The Emerging Global Brand of the Year was awarded to 7Saber for its remarkable growth as an innovation-driven enterprise that has rapidly expanded its global footprint. Its commitment to technology integration and customer-centric solutions exemplifies the potential of MSMEs to drive India’s global competitiveness.

The Exceptional Global Bank of the Year was conferred upon Sber Bank, represented by Mr. Herman Gref, Chairman and CEO. This recognition celebrated Sber Bank’s transformative role in advancing Indo-Russian economic cooperation through digital innovation, inclusive banking solutions, and support for MSME partnerships.

Other Awards and Recognitions

In the MSME category, Mr. Kapil Khandelwal, Managing Director, Topline Print Media Pvt Ltd, was recognised for excellence in marketing and brand outreach. Mr. Jagdish Aggarwal, Managing Director, Bhimsain’s Bengali Sweet House, was honoured for contributions to the food and beverage sector. Advocate Sapna Chauhan, Legal Counsel, GTTCI, was awarded for her role in promoting legal frameworks supportive of MSME growth.

Closing and Acknowledgements

Throughout the event, all panellists and moderators were felicitated by Dr. Rashmi Saluja and Dr. Gaurav Gupta in recognition of their valuable contributions. GTTCI also proudly honoured all support partners whose collaboration ensured the resounding success of the forum. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Mr. Shubham Gupta, Director, GTTCI, who expressed deep appreciation to all dignitaries, guests, partners, and participants.

GTTCI reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing MSMEs globally, building stronger partnerships, and nurturing a future of inclusive, sustainable prosperity.