Sberbank CEO Herman Gref: Sberbank Could Handle More Than 15% Of India-Russia Trade This Year

Russia’s largest bank is betting big on deeper India-Russia economic ties. Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank discusses the bank’s expanding India strategy, faster cross-border payments and its ambition to build a comprehensive platform for businesses in both countries in an exclusive conversation with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor - Business Today. Gref says Sberbank could handle more than 15% of India-Russia trade this year, while also focusing on bringing more Indian exports into the Russian market. The bank is looking at infrastructure, SME connectivity and investment support, alongside potential partnerships in technology, AI, healthcare and education. Gref also highlights the growing use of local currencies and mechanisms to manage currency risk. With trade ties evolving, Sberbank sees India as a key market for its next phase of growth.