In a major boost to India’s global e-commerce ambitions, the Department of Posts and Russia Post have officially signed a landmark bilateral agreement to launch the International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS)—a modern, trackable, and cost-effective logistics corridor that will dramatically improve trade between the two nations.
The agreement was formalised in the presence of Jitendra Gupta, Director General of Postal Services, and Mikhail Yurevich Volkov, Director General of Russia Post, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Indo-Russian postal cooperation at a time when cross-border digital commerce is expanding rapidly.
A Seamless, Transparent, and Affordable Shipping Channel
The new ITPS corridor is designed to simplify and accelerate the shipping of low-value e-commerce consignments, a segment that has seen explosive growth thanks to India’s rising MSME sector and global demand for Indian products.
Key benefits of the service include:
●End-to-end electronic tracking for real-time visibility
●Advance electronic data transmission for smoother customs processing
●Delivery confirmation ensuring transparency
●Lower shipping costs thanks to preferential delivery rates from Russia Post
●Improved security and reduced delays during customs and transit
Together, these features will enable Indian exporters to offer faster, more reliable deliveries to customers across Russia—an advantage crucial in the high-competition global e-commerce space.
Russia Becomes a High-Opportunity Market for Indian Goods
Demand for Indian products in Russia has surged in recent years, especially in categories such as:
●Fashion, apparel, and textiles
●Wellness and herbal products
●Jewellery and accessories
●Home décor
●MSME-made craft and lifestyle goods
With competitive shipping tariffs and predictable delivery timelines, small Indian sellers will now be able to compete more effectively with global brands in Russia’s thriving online marketplace.
A Big Boost for MSMEs, Artisans & Rural Entrepreneurs
To further support exporters—especially first-time and small-scale ones—the Department of Posts and CBIC have built a robust network of 1,013 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the country.
These DNKs help MSMEs access:
●Hassle-free export documentation
●Affordable logistics services
●Faster dispatch and delivery channels
Notably, a large chunk of India’s postal exports originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, showing how deeply small-town entrepreneurs are participating in global trade. This new ITPS agreement is expected to accelerate that momentum even further.
Strengthening India–Russia Trade in the Digital Era
The partnership reflects the growing synergy between India and Russia in trade, technology, and logistics. By creating a streamlined, digital-first export channel, both nations aim to:
●Expand bilateral commercial engagement
●Promote digital commerce and innovation
●Support inclusive growth among small businesses
●Increase market access for Indian-made products
Experts say the ITPS initiative is “a game-changer” for India’s micro and small exporters, offering them the reliability and visibility needed to build long-term customers in Russia.
As India pushes toward becoming a global manufacturing and e-commerce powerhouse, initiatives like this represent major steps in making its MSMEs internationally competitive—delivering not just economic growth but also empowerment for artisans, rural entrepreneurs, and women-led enterprises.
