A nevalyashka toy in a sari, chocolate and presidential quotes: what visitors are choosing at the Department Store RUSSIA in India

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The International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. India" continues in New Delhi, where the National Centre RUSSIA is presenting its flagship project, the Department Store, along with a cultural zone dedicated to the diversity of the country's regions. The space attracted considerable interest from visitors on its very first day, with several products proving especially popular — from sweets to a collection of clothing and accessories featuring quotes by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

The main hit was an exclusive nevalyashka (roly-poly toy) created by the National Centre RUSSIA especially for the fair. The toy, featuring motifs inspired by Indian culture, became the first item sold by the Department Store in New Delhi: it was purchased within the first minutes of the space opening and remained in high demand throughout the day. A familiar image from Russian childhood was given a new design and became a symbol of friendship between the two countries. 

Russian sweets were also popular with Indian visitors, including famous chocolate and Tula gingerbread. Clothing and accessories featuring quotes by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, were also among the items most frequently requested by visitors. The quotations focus on the country, its people and traditional values. The most popular item in this series in New Delhi was merchandise featuring the quote "Together we will move forward — together we will grow". Just under a year ago, the Russian leader quoted this well-known saying in India, and today visitors to the Department Store RUSSIA are expressing their support for it through their choices. 

Matryoshka dolls, lacework, handmade bags and other folk arts and crafts also attracted visitors' attention. Russian culture and products are generating considerable interest not only among the business community, but also among bloggers. International blogging couple Ksenia and Uddeshya, who run a popular personal blog, visited the stand and were delighted by what they saw. 

"Everything at the stand feels just like Russia: different parts and regions of the country are represented here, and that is wonderful. I really liked that workshops are being held right here and that all stages of the handmade production process are shown. It is incredibly beautiful and very impressive," Ksenia said. 

Her husband said that during five trips to Russia he had visited the Murmansk Region, the Krasnodar Territory and other regions, and each time had been struck by the country's diversity: "Even if you travel just a hundred kilometres, the traditions, clothing and culture are already different. But my favourite city is Moscow — I love it even more than New York. I tell all my friends and family about Russia and recommend that they visit your country."  

The couple were also particularly interested in the model of the National Centre RUSSIA building under construction in Moscow, which forms part of the Department Store exposition.

"We really liked the model of the future National Centre RUSSIA building, and we have already planned a trip because the building looks truly impressive and very futuristic. That is exactly what we love, so we will definitely go there," the visitors shared. 

Traditional Russian souvenirs also drew plenty of attention. Looking at the limited-edition series of nevalyashka toys, Uddeshya recalled the matryoshka dolls he had received as gifts during his trips to Russia: "When I travelled to Russia, I was given many matryoshka dolls, and later I also gave them to my friends in India. We also brought home tea and sweets. I like Russian tea from different regions — for example, from Krasnodar."

"INNOPROM. India" will continue on 10 and 11 September. Visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA stand still have the opportunity to discover Russian brands, watch artisans at work and purchase items that will serve as a reminder of their encounter with Russia.