Every June, St. Petersburg becomes the centre of the global economic conversation. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) will take place from 3 to 6 June 2026 at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together heads of state, business leaders and top-tier delegations from over 100 countries. For Indian companies and professionals, SPIEF 2026 presents a uniquely timely opportunity to deepen Russia—India economic ties and unlock new investment channels.
What is SPIEF? A platform built for dialogue
Founded in 1997 and organised by the Roscongress Foundation, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has grown into one of the world’s foremost international platforms for economic diplomacy and business cooperation. Held annually, it functions as a high-level arena where government representatives, multinational corporations and financial institutions discuss the most pressing issues shaping the global economy.
India has maintained a strong and expanding presence at SPIEF for several consecutive years. At SPIEF 2025, over 80 delegates from India’s private sector —including large corporates, tech innovators and exporters—participated alongside senior government officials and state trade representatives. In terms of Russia—India business cooperation, the event consistently stands out as the premier venue for bilateral negotiations and joint-venture discussions.
SPIEF 2026 programme: main blocks and key sessions
The SPIEF 2026 programme is structured around an overarching theme: "Pragmatic dialogue—the way to a stable future". With more than 150 sessions across four main thematic blocks, the business programme of SPIEF 2026 offers an exceptionally rich agenda for professional participants from every sector.
The four main blocks
Alongside the main blocks, this major international event hosts a dedicated series of bilateral dialogues with India, China, Germany, the United States, ASEAN countries and the EAEU. Bilateral engagement is therefore a core part of the event’s architecture.
For Indian delegates, the most directly relevant sessions span the Global Growth Platform block (trade and investment architecture, BRICS financial cooperation) and the Technologies Defining the Future block (digital ecosystems, AI and tech partnerships). The forum’s B2B infrastructure makes SPIEF a high-value destination for Indian companies seeking to build partnerships with Russian businesses and government bodies.
Practical guidance for Indian participants
Registration and accreditation
To attend SPIEF 2026, applicants must register via the Roscongress personal account at forumspb.com. The registration process for Indian participants includes submitting an application, receiving an invitation, paying the participation fee, and uploading a passport scan and photo to obtain an accreditation badge. Categories include individual delegate, speaker, and business delegation, each with different access privileges and networking opportunities.
SPIEF 2026 visa requirements for Indian citizens
Visa requirements for Indian citizens attending SPIEF 2026 are straightforward: Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Russia. Two main routes are available:
Passport validity must extend at least six months beyond the visa expiry date.
Language support and communication tools
Simultaneous interpretation is available at all key plenary sessions and major panel discussions. English is the primary working language across most blocks. For sessions where interpretation may be limited, the official forum mobile app (available for iOS and Android) provides real-time session schedules, speaker profiles, venue maps and meeting requests. Delegates can also arrange interpreter services through Roscongress in advance.
B2B meetings and networking opportunities
ExpoForum offers a purpose-built infrastructure for business matchmaking. Dedicated negotiation zones are set up across the venue, with private meeting rooms bookable through the Roscongress personal account. The platform’s B2B matching tool allows delegates to identify potential partners, send meeting requests and confirm appointments before arrival. Networking sessions—including sector-specific roundtables and evening receptions—are scheduled throughout all four days of the forum.
Note that Indian Standard Time is 2.5 hours ahead of Moscow time, so factor this in when planning your daily schedule at the forum. For conversion between rupees and roubles, check current exchange rates on the Sberbank India website.
Indian companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the Russian market can explore our services—Sberbank India offers a full range of business banking solutions to support India—Russia trade and investment.
Meetings, negotiations and business missions: maximising your time at SPIEF
For Indian participants at SPIEF, the forum’s B2B and B2G infrastructure is one of its greatest assets. The Roscongress platform enables registered delegates to request bilateral meetings with Russian companies and government bodies directly through the personal account system—ideally several weeks before arrival to secure preferred time slots.
Practical tips to maximise your participation:
St. Petersburg for forum attendees: SPIEF 2026 dates and practical tips
SPIEF 2026 dates—3 to 6 June—fall during one of the best times to visit the city, with warm summer weather and long evenings perfect for informal networking. The ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre is located at Peterburgskoye Shosse 64/1, approximately 4 km from Pulkovo International Airport.
Getting to and around ExpoForum:
For delegates wishing to explore the city between sessions, the historic centre is about 30–40 minutes from ExpoForum by metro or taxi. The Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospekt, Peter and Paul Fortress and the Russian Museum are all within easy reach. June evenings are ideal for informal networking dinners along the Neva embankment.
FAQ: key questions for Indian delegates
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