The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Maharashtra’s Urban Development Department have entered into a 10-year partnership with the Government of Moscow to strengthen urban development and improve infrastructure across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Mumbai on Thursday, March 26, 2026, coinciding with Rama Navami. The agreement covers cooperation in urban infrastructure, innovation, tourism, healthcare, cultural exchange and skill development.
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, and Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government, formalised the agreement in the presence of Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai.
Fadnavis highlights global cooperation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the agreement as an important step in expanding the state’s international partnerships.
Fadnavis said, “This strategic partnership with the Government of Moscow reflects Maharashtra’s growing global engagement and reinforces our commitment to building world-class, future-ready cities. Mumbai is not just India’s financial capital but a global growth engine, and such collaborations will accelerate our vision of transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a leading international economic hub driven by sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and investment.”
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde also emphasised the importance of international expertise in Mumbai’s urban transformation.
“This MoU marks an important step in strengthening Mumbai’s urban transformation journey. By leveraging global expertise in urban mobility, infrastructure planning, and sustainable development, we are ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every section of society. Our focus remains on delivering efficient, accessible, and future-ready infrastructure that improves the quality of life for citizens across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region,” Shinde said.
Focus on smart cities and sustainable growth
According to MMRDA officials, the collaboration will facilitate the exchange of international best practices in urban planning, digital governance and infrastructure financing. The proposed areas of cooperation include smart city initiatives, integrated transport networks, heritage and museum management, tourism, healthcare and institutional capacity building.
The agreement will remain effective for ten years and follows the principles of equality, mutual benefit and shared development. It does not impose immediate financial obligations on either party.
Officials expect the partnership to support sustainable and inclusive development while strengthening Mumbai’s position as a globally competitive economic centre.
Source: Mid-day
