India and Russia Unite to Expand Global Franchise Frontiers

New Delhi. In a forward-looking move poised to reshape the global franchising landscape, the Indian Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) and the Russia Franchise Federation have entered into a landmark strategic partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on May 28, 2025, in Moscow, signaling the beginning of a robust collaboration focused on entrepreneurial development and the international scaling of franchise businesses.

This milestone agreement represents a unified commitment by both countries to enhance business opportunities, empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and foster a thriving cross-border franchise ecosystem.

A New Chapter in Franchising Diplomacy
Franchising, long seen as a powerful model for entrepreneurial growth, is now becoming a diplomatic bridge between nations. The ISFA and the Russia Franchise Federation have taken a visionary step by forming a long-term alliance dedicated to the shared goals of economic empowerment, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation.

"This is more than just a signing—it is the beginning of a transformative journey," said Gaurav Marya, Chairman of ISFA and a prominent global voice in franchising. "Together, India and Russia are setting a precedent for international collaboration that puts entrepreneurs at the center. This partnership creates a shared platform where innovation, opportunity, and global ambition intersect.”

Core Objectives of the Alliance
The strategic MoU outlines a multi-faceted framework for ongoing cooperation between the two franchising bodies. Key objectives include:

Regular bilateral engagement through conferences, meetings, and collaborative projects;

Mutual support for entrepreneurs, with resources tailored to existing and emerging franchise players;

Co-development of franchise-friendly policies and educational initiatives to empower SMEs;

Facilitation of international market access, enabling Indian and Russian brands to scale globally.

This initiative also envisions the creation of a common knowledge base and the opening of communication channels between franchise communities in both nations.

Focus Areas for Immediate Action
To translate their shared vision into measurable impact, ISFA and the Russia Franchise Federation have outlined several high-priority areas:

Joint organization of business forums, exhibitions, and capacity-building seminars;

Exchange of digital content, research, and franchise insights via digital platforms;

Strategic networking with government and business stakeholders in India, Russia, and beyond;

Participation in global events to attract investments and expand brand presence internationally;

Market-entry support for SMEs, with a spotlight on Moscow and major Indian metros.

This collaborative approach is designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools, insights, and networks needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Implementation and Future Vision
The MoU will be implemented through well-structured action plans, coordinated efforts, and continuous dialogue. A joint working group is expected to be formed, overseeing timelines and delivering on key milestones.

By aligning their strengths and knowledge bases, ISFA and the Russia Franchise Federation aim to position their respective countries as global franchising hubs. The partnership is not only a business alliance but a diplomatic endeavor that showcases franchising as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.

As this partnership unfolds, India and Russia are poised to become co-leaders in the next phase of international franchising—demonstrating how strategic cooperation can turn entrepreneurial dreams into global enterprises.