Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “The ongoing efforts by the governments concerned to boost the India-Russia-China economic corridor may yield enhanced connectivity avenues such as the INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) and Eastern Maritime Corridor(EMC) thereby streamlining logistics with digital tracking, using local currencies of the respective countries followed by diversifying trade beyond energy namely pharmaceuticals, minerals for oil/coal. The coordinated corridor of economic understanding among the three countries may also address regulatory hurdles through focused agreements with a view to professionalise these Eurasian routes. The Indian freight forwarders may succeed in promoting their products export such as processed minerals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tea, and steel to Russia whereas liberalised imports from Russia may be witnessed comprising coal, oil, gas and fertilisers.”

Gautham Raju, Air Freight Specialist said, ‘Taking India-Russia economic partnership to new heights is our common priority’ said PM Modi after talks with Putin. India-Russia-China economic corridor is poised to transform EXIM trade, and freight forwarding agents who adapt quickly will reap the advantages and benefits on core sectors. Agents can offer integrated logistics solutions, including air freight, sea freight, and land transportation. Digitalisation and infrastructure upgrades will streamline logistics processes, enhancing customer satisfaction. PM Modi also said after 23rd India–Russia Bilateral Summit that India and Russia are working towards early conclusion of a free trade agreement with Eurasian Economic Union. Putin said that we are looking at increasing annual bilateral trade volume to USD 100 billion, he said. Putin said Russia is also looking at expanding cooperation in the energy sector with New Delhi, adding his country is ready for uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India. This corridor, comprising the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, reduces transportation time and costs, making Indian exports more competitive, benefiting industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and machinery.

Kunal Maheshwari, Chief Growth Officer, Softlink Global said, “The India–Russia–China economic corridor has the potential to reshape EXIM trade dynamics by creating shorter, cost-efficient routes and reducing transit dependency on traditional channels. This will enable smoother cargo movement, enhance regional connectivity, and open new gateways for commodities, manufacturing, and multimodal logistics. For freight forwarders and agents, it translates into increased business opportunities, diversified trade lanes, competitive pricing, and scope for value-added services.”

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head – Air Freight said, “While there is no formally established ‘India-Russia-China economic corridor yet, there is definitely renewed momentum around closer cooperation among the three countries. Russia India China (RIC) Troika was first conceptualised by Russia in the 1990s, a time when Russia was trying to find its place on the global stage following the collapse of the USSR. A potential trilateral corridor, if realized, would significantly boost EXIM trade and create new opportunities for trade agents by offering alternative, more direct trade routes and payment systems. We are already seeing encouraging signals. Diplomatic engagement in 2025 has led to several new agreements, and India and Russia have set an ambitious target of USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. These political signals increase the probability of concrete trade facilitation steps (e.g., tariff talks, rail/road/law harmonization, payment arrangements) that reduce friction and cost for exporters and importers. However, the realisation of a fully functional trilateral corridor remains constrained by geopolitical challenges, particularly the persistent trust deficit and unresolved border issues between India and China. Until these are addressed, progress is more likely through strengthened bilateral engagements and broader platforms like BRICS and the SCO, rather than a formal trilateral corridor.

Dinesh Krishnan, Honorary Treasurer, ACAAI said, “The IRC corridor, if executed well, will be one of the most significant geopolitical and economic catalysts for Indian EXIM trade in the next decade. For air cargo agents, it brings new lanes, higher volumes, more capacity, and a shift toward value-added, specialised logistics—exactly the kinds of opportunities that transform industry players into global logistics powerhouses.

  C K Govil, CMD, Activair Airfreight said, “The proposed India–Russia–China economic corridor has the potential to significantly accelerate EXIM trade by creating a faster, more cost-efficient and multimodal link between major manufacturing and consumption markets. By reducing transit times, improving rail–road–sea connectivity, and diversifying routes beyond traditional chokepoints, it will strengthen supply-chain resilience and open new trade lanes for high-value and time-sensitive cargo. For freight forwarders and cargo agents, the corridor promises increased cargo volumes, expanded cross-border logistics opportunities, and the ability to offer more competitive transit solutions. It will also spur demand for specialised services—multimodal documentation, value-added logistics, customs expertise, and digital track-and-trace—placing Indian agents at the centre of a rapidly evolving Eurasian trade ecosystem. In my view, this corridor could be a strategic game-changer, positioning India not only as a key transit hub but also as a pivotal logistics partner in the emerging tri-nation economic architecture.”

GMR Airports Limited’s GMR Goa Air Cargo (GOX) at Manohar International Airport lifts ‘Emerging Integrated Freight Terminal Operator’ Award at the recent India Cargo Awards 2025. This recognition highlights GOX’s rise as a modern and efficient cargo hub in the region. Equipped with advanced handling infrastructure, technology-driven processes, and a focus on customer-centric operations, GOX has established itself as a key contributor to Goa’s growing air cargo ecosystem. The award underscores GMR’s commitment to enhancing cargo linkage, streamlining logistics, and supporting trade growth in one of India’s most promising emerging gateways.  

Federal Express Corporation expands its footprint in India by launching its 60,000 sqft integrated air hub at the AISATS Logistics Park, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The launch comes as the airport advances plans to double its annual cargo capacity to 1 million MT, positioning Bengaluru as a critical export gateway and aligning the FedEx investment with India’s next phase of high-growth manufacturing and trade. This new hub elevates the region’s logistics infrastructure by consolidating global imports, export handling, automated processing systems, mechanised conveyors, telescopic belts, and a high-speed DIM machine for non-contact dynamic dimensioning. With bonded customs capability and seamless connection to upcountry and city locations, the facility is engineered to deliver faster and reliable handling for time-sensitive industrial, pharma, and manufacturing shipments.

Arun Chandra, Vice President, Aviation Business, BIAL, said, “Global trade disruptions, tariff fluctuations, and geopolitical factors have created a dynamic environment for air cargo operations. We closely monitor international trade trends and engage proactively with airlines, freight forwarders, and regulatory authorities to anticipate and manage potential impacts. Flexible slot management, warehousing strategies, and streamlined customs facilitation allow us to maintain operational continuity, minimise delays, and ensure that exporters and importers can move their shipments efficiently. These measures, combined with data-driven planning and real-time visibility, help navigate uncertainties while sustaining reliability and service excellence for all stakeholders.”  

Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has expanded its national footprint with the commencement of full-scale ground handling operations at Cochin International Airport. With plans to scale its manpower as traffic grows, AISATS has deployed an initial team of 150 trained professionals at its second station in Kerala and eighth airport across India. The launch brings future-ready technology, globally benchmarked safety systems, and sustainable ground handling solutions to one of India’s most strategically important aviation hubs. AISATS has launched operations at Cochin International Airport to support its airline customers, starting with Batik Air and Thai Lion Air, and all other international and domestic carriers planning to fly through this key aviation hub. Bringing future-ready technology, globally benchmarked safety systems, and sustainable ground handling solutions, AISATS reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class service. With over 28 airlines operating at the airport, nearly 60,000 tonnes of cargo handled, and more than 10 million passengers recorded in FY24, Kochi represents a high-potential market where the need for efficient, technology-driven, and safety-focused ground operations is rapidly increasing. AISATS’ entry brings globally benchmarked systems and next-generation passenger service platforms, automated workforce management tools, and end-to-end baggage tracking technologies. Speaking on the commencement of operations, Mr. Ramanathan Rajamani, Chief Executive Officer, AISATS, said, “Our entry into Kochi marks a pivotal step in AISATS’ commitment to supporting India’s fast-evolving aviation landscape. Kerala continues to witness strong growth in passenger movement, cargo demand, and global connectivity, and Kochi stands at the centre of this transformation with its strong connectivity, especially with Gulf and Southeast Asian markets. As we begin operations here, our focus is to bring world-class safety, technology, and service excellence to the airport while creating meaningful …