India, Russia Launch Tracked Packet Service to Boost Cross-Border E-Commerce

The operationalisation of ITPS establishes a dedicated, trackable and affordable logistics route for low-value consignments—a critical requirement in today’s rapidly expanding global e-commerce environment.

 

In a major step toward strengthening India–Russia trade and enhancing global postal connectivity, the Department of Posts, Government of India, and JSC Russia Post have signed a Bilateral Agreement on the International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS). The agreement was formalised between Shri Jitendra Gupta, Director General Postal Services, and Mikhail Yurevich Volkov, Director General of Russia Post, marking a significant milestone in cross-border logistics cooperation.

A New Tracked, Reliable and Cost-Effective Postal Channel

The operationalisation of ITPS establishes a dedicated, trackable and affordable logistics route for low-value consignments—a critical requirement in today’s rapidly expanding global e-commerce environment. The service will include:

• Electronic Advance Data (EAD) transmission

• End-to-end tracking for consignments

• Delivery confirmation

• Improved customs efficiency and security

These features will ensure transparency throughout the delivery cycle, strengthening trust among consumers and exporters in both countries.

Growing Russian Market Presents Major Opportunities for Indian Sellers

Russia has emerged as a strong and expanding destination for Indian products across sectors such as:

• health and wellness

• apparel and accessories

• jewellery

• handicrafts and home décor

• small-scale MSME-driven goods

With Russia Post offering preferential delivery rates under the agreement, India Post will now extend competitive tariffs to Indian exporters, improving price competitiveness, delivery reliability and market access on Russian e-commerce platforms.

Empowering MSMEs, Start-Ups and Rural Entrepreneurs

To support Indian businesses in reaching international buyers, the Department of Posts—along with CBIC—has set up 1,013 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the country. These centres simplify export procedures by enabling sellers to complete documentation, customs clearance and parcel dispatch at their local post office.

A major share of postal exports already comes from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, showing how digital commerce is helping small enterprises and individual entrepreneurs tap overseas markets without needing traditional export infrastructure.

ITPS: A Boost for Digital Trade and Bilateral Cooperation

The introduction of ITPS with Russia is expected to particularly benefit:

• MSMEs

• artisans and handicraft makers

• start-ups

• rural entrepreneurs

• online sellers on Russian marketplaces

By offering competitive logistics prices and dependable delivery timelines, the partnership will help Indian sellers expand their customer base and strengthen their presence in Russia’s fast-evolving digital retail ecosystem.

Reinforcing India–Russia Strategic Partnership

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both countries to:

• deepen bilateral trade

• enhance digital commerce connectivity

• promote innovation in postal and logistics services

• support inclusive growth of small enterprises

As global e-commerce accelerates, the India–Russia ITPS partnership lays a strong foundation for future-ready, digitally enabled cross-border trading systems.