Overview
On 20 July 2026, AVPL International, in partnership with the Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society Ltd., hosted a high‑level Russian technology delegation at AVPL Drone City in Sisai, District Hansi, Haryana. The visit underscores a deepening India‑Russia partnership aimed at advancing drone manufacturing, technology transfer, research & development, and rural employment.
Delegation Details
The Russian delegation comprised Mr. Leonid V. Artemov, Director of the Center for Technological Cooperation at the Skolkovo Foundation, and Mr. Sergey V. Vikharev, President of the UITC Consortium, accompanied by Mr. Akash Gupta, the official interpreter and India coordinator. During the two‑day program they toured the drone manufacturing plant, R&D laboratories, testing facilities, and earmarked future expansion zones, engaging in strategic discussions on joint manufacturing, research collaboration, investment opportunities, export strategies, and access to global markets.
Government Support and Initiatives
The Government of Haryana has pledged ₹58 crore in incentives to bolster the Drone City project. The foundation stone was laid by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, with Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce Shri Rao Narbir Singh present. The facility was later inaugurated by Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Shri Krishan Kumar Bedi, who also launched the “500 Panchayat – 500 Drone Udhami Initiative” to create drone entrepreneurs across rural Haryana and generate sustainable livelihoods through emerging technologies.
Economic and Employment Impact
AVPL International highlighted that the expansion of Drone City will generate employment across manufacturing, electronics, component production, quality control, R&D, maintenance, logistics, warehousing, and technical support. The project will reinforce the “1 Panchayat – 1 Drone Udhami” mission, enabling thousands of rural youth to become drone entrepreneurs and establishing a sustainable rural drone service ecosystem.
Invitation to Industry Partners
AVPL International and the Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society extended an open invitation to drone OEMs, startups, component manufacturers, AI and robotics firms, defence technology companies, universities, research institutions, investors, and innovation partners to join India’s largest integrated drone ecosystem. The ecosystem aims to house manufacturing, R&D, testing, certification support, skill development, incubation, component production, warehousing, exports, startup acceleration, and global technology partnerships under one roof.
Acknowledgements
The press release thanked the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for facilitating the historic collaboration, noting that the Russian delegation’s visit resulted from AVPL’s participation in the FICCI Business Delegation to Russia. Gratitude was also expressed to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for promoting Indian startups and MSMEs on the global stage, and to Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal for enabling inclusive participation of businesses from every Indian state in international delegations.
Leadership Quote
Dr. Preet Sandhu, Founder & Managing Director of AVPL International, stated that Drone City is a national mission to build India’s most comprehensive drone ecosystem, inviting all stakeholders to help position Haryana as a global drone manufacturing hub while creating large‑scale employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for local youth.