Russian Vodka Exports to India Rise 240 Percent in 2025

Russian vodka exports to India rose 240 percent between January and November 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry data analysed by RIA Novosti. The increase is prompting Russian alcoholic beverage companies to explore wider distribution and long-term business opportunities in India.

Russia accounted for approximately 3.9 percent of India's USD 27 million vodka imports during the period, ranking joint sixth among suppliers after Sweden, France, Singapore, the UAE and Italy. According to Agroexport, the Russian government's centre for agricultural exports, Russian spirits exports to India increased nearly fourfold in value and threefold in volume over the same period.

Soyuzprod, which entered India in June 2026, has established distribution across 13 states through ROSIND, the official India partner of the Russian Export Centre, and local distribution partners. The company plans to extend its reach to 21 states over the next six months.

The company sells premium vodkas in the 38–42 percent ABV range, alongside flavoured and savoury bitters. A 700 ml bottle is priced at approximately Rs 999. According to ROSIND, Soyuzprod has sold around 25,000 cases since entering the market and is targeting sales of approximately 1.5 lakh cases by FY27/FY28.

Around 35 percent of the cities covered by its current distribution network are in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. This indicates that the company's expansion is reaching beyond India's largest urban centres.

“India represents an important growth opportunity for Soyuzprod and marks our long-term commitment to the country. We are focused on building our distribution footprint across key states and cities while developing the brand for Indian consumers. The early response has been encouraging, and we see significant potential for Russian spirits in India,” said Bobby Kohli, Executive Director, ROSIND, the official India partner of the Russian Export Center.

Interest in India extends beyond Soyuzprod. Industry estimates suggest that more than 160 Russian alcoholic beverage manufacturers are assessing opportunities in the country across vodka, other spirits, beer and flavoured alcoholic beverages. Tatspirtprom, brewers Baltika and Afanasy, and sparkling-wine producer Abrau-Durso are among the companies evaluating market entry, regulatory approvals and commercial development.

The Russian Export Centre inaugurated its first ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion in Navi Mumbai in August 2026 to connect Russian companies with Indian importers, distributors and potential business partners.

“Through the ‘Made in Russia’ pavilion, the REC is facilitating connections between Russian companies and Indian importers, distributors and potential partners as they explore opportunities in this dynamic market,” said Bobby Kohli.

India's alcoholic beverage market is estimated at around USD 44 billion annually, according to Euromonitor. Imported spirits volumes grew at a 16 percent CAGR between 2019 and 2024, and India is forecast to become the world's fifth-largest imported spirits market by 2035, according to IWSR.

Crisil Ratings expects revenues of Indian alcoholic beverage manufacturers to grow 8–10 percent in fiscal 2026 to around Rs 5.3 lakh crore.

The next stage involves building distribution networks and establishing partnerships with Indian businesses rather than relying solely on exports. Local bottling or manufacturing arrangements could also become an option where commercially viable. With exports rising and more companies assessing entry, India is gaining importance in the overseas expansion plans of Russian alcoholic beverage producers.