HSE and Sber Team Up to Train Specialists for Russian and Indian Markets
On September 5, 2025, at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), HSE University and Sber signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in economic, financial, and business education between Russia and India, as well as developing continuing education initiatives in both countries (including the implementation of joint, network, and exchange programmes). The agreement was signed by HSE Vice Rector Tatyana Vasilyeva and Sberbank’s First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board Alexander Vedyakhin.
The partnership aims to create an infrastructure of essential knowledge and competencies for the successful development of the markets of both countries.
In accordance with the agreement, HSE University and SBER are working to establish a strategic partnership focused on the implementation of joint projects that will combine the research potential of a leading university and the applied experience of a major financial institution.
The partnership will focus is on three key areas:
Joint educational products for training specialists focused on the development of Russian–Indian economic partnership.
Network and exchange programmes that will combine the best educational practices of the two countries.
Applied research that forms the basis of real business solutions for companies entering the markets of Russia and India.
The first results of the cooperation—two educational programmes developed by HSE and SBER experts—were presented at the EEF.
The Russia Executive Business Programme is a nine-day intensive course created by HSE and Sber experts and held in Moscow. The programme is tailored for international entrepreneurs and senior executives; it offers a series of business meetings with representatives of government institutions and leaders of the Russian business community. The educational process covers cultural and historical aspects, which helps participants to better understand the national business context and build effective cooperation with Russian partners.
The ‘Eastern Perspective: Business Practices in India’ programme is designed for Russian companies interested in diversifying their operations and entering one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world. Participants of the programme will obtain practical tools for successfully entering the Indian market. The programme focuses on developing financial, investment, and marketing strategies adapted to local realities. Special attention is paid to mastering cultural nuances of negotiation and in-depth study of Indian corporate legislation. The programme includes a detailed examination of tax law and practical aspects of registering a business in India.
HSE Vice Rector Tatyana Vasilyeva and Sberbank’s First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board Alexander Vedyakhin highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership.
Tatyana Vasylieva, HSE University Vice Rector
‘The strategic partnership between HSE University and Sber has opened up new horizons for fostering business dialogues between Russia and India. We firmly believe that our joint efforts will catalyse trade and economic relations and reinforce trust among business communities in both countries.’
Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank
‘The importance of India in the global economy is growing rapidly, as is mutually beneficial cooperation between our nations. Therefore, there's a pressing need for specialists who understand the country’s markets, culture, and business logic. The educational and research initiatives undertaken by Sber and HSE—which is renowned for its strong expertise in this area—will enable entrepreneurs, students, and scholars to build effective connections, generate fresh ideas, and initiate promising projects beneficial to both Russia and India.’
Anastasia Likhacheva, Dean of the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs
‘At the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, we know better than anyone that big politics is followed by big economies, and vice versa—truly large-scale projects require a strategic impulse. However, this formula requires certain people and ties between them. Ties between Russia and India, which are rightly called the ‘market of a billion opportunities,’ have received this impetus at the highest level. Our new agreement creates qualitatively new opportunities for more Indian entrepreneurs to discover practical cooperation with Russia, and the tandem of Sber and HSE University will provide them with a better entry.’
Natalya Guseva, Academic Supervisor of the Russia Executive Business Programme and the ‘Eastern Perspective: Business Practices in India’ programme
‘As the programme organisers, we consider the partnership with Sber to be a key element that ensures maximum practical value for students from India and Russia. This collaboration will help programme participants gain access to unique cases and best management practices, as well as learn first-hand about digital trends that determine the future of the global economy from one of the market leaders. This is a synergy between HSE University’s strong academic foundation and the applied experience of the largest bank.’
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