Mumbai : Russian vodka exports to India rose 240% between January and November 2025 compared with the corresponding period a year earlier, according to data from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as analysed by RIA Novosti.
Russia accounted for approximately 3.9% of India’s USD 27 million vodka imports during the period, ranking joint sixth among suppliers after Sweden, France, Singapore, the UAE and Italy.
The broader category has also recorded strong growth. According to Agroexport, the Russian government’s centre for agricultural exports, Russian spirits exports to India increased nearly fourfold in value and threefold in volume during the same period.
The sharp increase in exports comes as Russian alcobev producers explore India as a potential growth market, with companies looking beyond initial exports towards wider distribution, local partnerships and longer-term market development.
Soyuzprod, which entered the Indian market in June 2026, has already established distribution across 13 states through ROSIND, the official India partner of the Russian Export Centre and local distribution partners. The company plans to expand its presence to 21 states over the next six months.
India emerges as an overseas growth opportunity
For Russian alcobev producers, the growing Indian market offers an opportunity to diversify export destinations and build presence in a market where premium imported spirits are gaining traction.
Industry estimates suggest that more than 160 Russian alcobev manufacturers are assessing opportunities in the Indian market. The interest spans vodka and other spirits, beer and flavoured alcoholic beverages, with companies at different stages of market evaluation and regulatory processes.
The interest is also being supported by greater interaction between Russian producers and Indian businesses. The Russian Export Centre (REC) inaugurated the first ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion in India in Navi Mumbai in August 2026, providing Russian companies with an avenue to engage with Indian importers, distributors and potential business partners.
Soyuzprod expands beyond initial market entry
Soyuzprod’s early expansion illustrates the approach being adopted by some Russian producers. The company currently offers premium vodkas in the 38–42% ABV(alcohol by volume) range, along with flavoured and savoury bitters, through its Indian distribution network.
The brand is priced at approximately ₹999 for a 700 ml bottle and has sold around 25,000 cases since its launch, according to ROSIND. It plans to expand its distribution footprint to 21 states over the next six months and is targeting sales of approximately 1.5 lakh cases by FY27/FY28.
Around 35% of the cities currently covered are in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, indicating that the expansion is extending beyond India’s largest urban centres.
“India represents an important growth opportunity for Soyuzprod and marks our long-term commitment to the country. We are focused on building our distribution footprint across key states and cities while developing the brand for Indian consumers. The early response has been encouraging, and we see significant potential for Russian spirits in India,” said Bobby Kohli, Executive Director, ROSIND, the official India partner of the Russian Export Center
“Through the ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion, the REC is facilitating connections between Russian companies and Indian importers, distributors and potential partners as they explore opportunities in this dynamic market,” said Bobby Kohli
More Russian producers assess the market
Soyuzprod’s entry is being followed by interest from other Russian alcobev companies. After the success of Soyuzprod, Tatspirtprom, brewers Baltika and Afanasy, and sparkling-wine producer Abrau-Durso are among companies with India strategies at different stages of market assessment, regulatory approvals and commercial development.
The growing activity points to a gradual shift from one-off export opportunities towards a more structured approach to the Indian market, including broader distribution, brand building and partnerships with local businesses.
Why India matters
India’s alcoholic beverage market is estimated at around USD 44 billion annually, according to Euromonitor. Imported spirits volumes in India grew at a 16% CAGR between 2019 and 2024 and the country is forecast to become the world’s fifth-largest imported spirits market by 2035, according to IWSR.
Crisil Ratings expects revenues of Indian alcobev manufacturers to grow 8–10% in fiscal 2026 to around ₹5.3 lakh crore.
For Russian producers, the opportunity extends beyond simply increasing exports. A combination of India’s expanding premium spirits segment, a large consumer base and the potential for partnerships with local importers and distributors could allow companies to develop more sustained market positions, including, where commercially viable, local bottling or manufacturing arrangements.
With Russian vodka and spirits exports to India recording strong growth and several producers assessing opportunities across categories, India is emerging as a market with the potential to play a larger role in the international growth strategies of Russian alcobev companies.
.