Department of Posts and JSC Russia Post Forge Landmark Pact to Boost Cross-Border E-Commerce with International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS)

**Executive Summary** The Department of Posts, Government of India, and JSC Russia Post signed a Bilateral Agreement on the International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS) on December 5, 2025. This agreement strengthens cross-border postal cooperation and facilitates growing e-commerce trade between India and Russia. The ITPS aims to create a cost-effective and reliable logistics channel for low-value consignments. **Key Points / Main Content** * **International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS) Agreement:** * Signed by the Department of Posts (India) and JSC Russia Post. * Marks an important milestone in cross-border postal cooperation. * Aims to facilitate growing e-commerce trade between India and Russia. * **Operationalization of ITPS:** * Creates a cost-effective, trackable, and reliable logistics channel for low-value consignments. * Includes electronic advance data transmission, end-to-end tracking, and delivery confirmation. * Ensures enhanced transparency, security, and improved ease of customs clearance. * **Benefits for Indian Exporters:** * Russia is a significant and expanding market for Indian products (health, wellness, apparel, jewelry, home decor, MSME sectors). * India Post can offer ITPS to exporters at competitive tariffs, improving price competitiveness and market access due to preferential delivery rates by Russia Post. * **Support for Small Businesses:** * Department of Posts, in collaboration with CBIC, has established 1,013 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the country. * ITPS expected to benefit MSMEs, artisans, startups, and rural entrepreneurs. * Enables selling products on Russian e-marketplaces with competitive logistics rates and dependable delivery timelines. * **Commitment to Bilateral Trade:** * Agreement signifies a shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade. * Promotes digital commerce and strengthens collaboration in postal and logistics services. **Impact Analysis** **Indian Exporters** * **Impact:** Will have access to a cost-effective and reliable logistics channel to reach the Russian market, especially for low-value consignments. * **Action Required:** Leverage the ITPS service to improve price competitiveness and market access for Indian products in Russia. **MSMEs, Artisans, Start-ups, and Rural Entrepreneurs** * **Impact:** Will benefit from competitive logistics rates and dependable delivery timelines for selling products on Russian e-marketplaces. * **Action Required:** Utilize the ITPS and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) to expand their reach and participate in the international marketplace. **Department of Posts (India)** * **Impact:** Will be able to offer a new service with competitive tariffs, enhancing its role in supporting e-commerce and international trade. * **Action Required:** Promote the ITPS service to exporters and collaborate with CBIC and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) to support small businesses. **JSC Russia Post** * **Impact:** Will play a crucial role in facilitating trade between Russia and India. * **Action Required:** Work closely with India Post to ensure the smooth operation of the ITPS, including offering preferential delivery rates and ensuring efficient customs clearance.

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