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Draft:Sammy Kotwani

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Sammy Manoj Kotwani
Born
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
OccupationsEntrepreneur, bespoke tailor and business association leader
Years active1990–present
Organisation(s)Indian Business Alliance; Indian National Cultural Centre "SITA"
Known forThe Imperial Tailoring Company, Indian Business Alliance and India Day festival in Moscow
TitlePresident of the Indian Business Alliance

Sammy Manoj Kotwani is an Indian entrepreneur, bespoke tailor and business association leader based in Moscow, Russia.[1] He is the president of the Indian Business Alliance, an organisation involved in promoting commercial cooperation between India and Russia, and the founder of The Imperial Tailoring Company.[2]

Kotwani is also associated with the Indian National Cultural Centre "SITA" and is the founder of the annual India Day festival in Moscow.[3] His work has focused on business networking, cultural exchange and the development of relations between the Indian and Russian business communities.

Early life and education

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Kotwani was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He studied textile technology at the Synthetic and Art Silk Mills' Research Association, commonly known as SASMIRA, in Mumbai.[4] According to his company biography, he obtained diplomas in man-made textile technology and man-made spinning technology.

He later trained in bespoke tailoring and garment cutting at the English Tailor and Cutter Academy in London, drawing inspiration from British tailoring traditions.[5] During his time in London, he worked under master tailors specializing in bespoke tailoring and developed a clientele from various parts of the world.

Career in tailoring

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Early years in Moscow

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Kotwani arrived in Moscow in 1990 during the twilight of the Soviet Union, intending to serve the city's large diplomatic community who required high-quality bespoke suits.[6] Initially, he provided made-to-measure clothing to diplomats, expatriates and business executives. In 1991, he established Wintex International to supply bespoke suits to embassies and international organizations in Moscow, with approximately 90% of clients being foreign nationals at that time.[7]

The early 1990s proved challenging. Kotwani has recalled experiencing crime during this period, including being robbed at gunpoint on his doorstep in 1991 and having his car stolen the day he purchased it in 1993.[8] Despite these challenges, he maintained his operations by leveraging his expertise as a master cutter to provide high-quality suits at competitive prices compared to Western competitors.

Expansion and Imperial Tailoring Company

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Kotwani's younger brother Jimmy joined him in Moscow in 1994, followed by his youngest brother Andy in 1995 after completing his studies.[9] Following the Russian financial crisis of 1998, which resulted in the loss of many foreign clients, Kotwani and his family shifted their business strategy to focus on Russian customers. This transition led to the establishment of The Imperial Tailoring Company as a bespoke tailoring house.

In 2003, Kotwani opened the company's flagship salon at Gostiny Dvor, Moscow's historic shopping arcade near Red Square, in a location decorated in English King Edward style.[10] The location proved strategically significant, as it is situated in close proximity to major government and cultural landmarks.

The company produces bespoke suits, shirts, overcoats, tuxedos and formal clothing using premium fabrics. Kotwani has worked with business executives, diplomats, public figures and political leaders.[11] Indian news outlet Rediff.com reported that Kotwani made clothing for Narendra Modi between 2008 and 2011, before Modi became prime minister of India.[12]

Kotwani has maintained strict client confidentiality, declining to publicly discuss most of his notable clientele, though he has confirmed dressing heads of state, diplomats and political leaders.[13]

International expansion

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The company expanded beyond Moscow into other regions of Russia and neighboring countries. By the early 2000s, the company had established clients in Ukraine through periodic business trips by the brothers.[14] The first Ukrainian office was opened in Kyiv in 2005, managed by cousin Steve Kriplani.[15] Additional branches were subsequently established in St. Petersburg, Kazan, Almaty, Astana, and Baku.[16]

As of 2025, the company operates six showrooms in Russia, three in Kazakhstan and one in Ukraine, employing approximately 100 staff members across all locations.[17] In 2009, The Imperial Tailoring Company was awarded the "Company of the Year" designation by Russian business organizations.[18]

Indian Business Alliance

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Kotwani serves as president of the Indian Business Alliance, a Moscow-based organisation that supports trade and business relations between India and Russia.[19] Founded in 1994, the IBA currently comprises over 150 registered members, including small and medium-sized business companies operating across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering, textiles, chemicals, metals, sugar, plastics, tourism and services.[20] Kotwani was elected president of the IBA in 2008.

Under his leadership, the organisation has participated in business dialogues, economic forums, trade delegations and meetings involving companies, chambers of commerce and regional authorities. Its activities include business matchmaking, market-entry assistance and the promotion of cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, logistics, technology and energy.[21]

The IBA organizes the annual Russia-India Business Dialogue forum in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (CCI RF) and the Roscongress Foundation, attracting over 1,250 participants.[22] The organization also provides assistance to Indian firms in navigating Russian business regulations, taxation matters and regulatory compliance.

Kotwani has appeared in Russian and international media as a commentator on India–Russia trade, economic cooperation, energy, transport corridors and labour mobility.[23] He has also represented the Indian business community at events connected with BRICS, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.[24]

Cultural activities

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SITA and the Indian National Cultural Centre

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Kotwani is president of the Indian National Cultural Centre "SITA", a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Indian culture and heritage in Russia.[25] Founded in 2016, SITA serves as a platform for cultural exchange between the Indian diaspora and Russian society, offering programs in yoga, Ayurveda, traditional Indian arts and cultural education.[26]

According to Kotwani, his motivation for founding SITA came from his responsibility as a father raising three daughters in Moscow, ensuring they maintained connection to their Indian cultural roots while fostering broader cultural understanding between India and Russia.[27]

Through SITA, Kotwani organizes major cultural celebrations including the spring festival Holi Mela and the winter festival Diwali, which serve as important events in the cultural calendar of the Indian community in Russia.[28]

India Day festival

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Kotwani founded India Day, an annual cultural festival held in Moscow's major parks and public spaces.[29] The festival features Indian music, dance, cinema, cuisine, yoga, traditional ceremonies, handicrafts and business-related programmes, organized with participation from Indian community organizations, Russian institutions, diplomatic representatives and cultural groups.[30]

Media reports have described India Day as one of the largest public celebrations of Indian culture in Russia, attracting approximately 2.2 to 2.7 million visitors annually in recent years.[31] The festival has been held annually since 2016 and is supported by the Moscow Government, the Ministry of Culture of Moscow, and the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow.[32]

The festival's programming includes themed zones featuring Indian regional cuisines, traditional arts performances, yoga and meditation workshops, and specialized exhibitions focused on themes such as yoga, Ayurveda, literature, business and humanitarian initiatives.[33] Since 2025, the festival has included the India Day Awards, recognizing achievement in cultural and humanitarian fields, with juries comprising senior Russian and Indian government figures and cultural leaders.[34]

Kotwani has stated that India Day serves to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people relations between India and Russia, contributing to what he describes as a diplomatic and cultural platform connecting the two nations.[35]

Public commentary and political affiliations

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Kotwani regularly comments on India–Russia economic relations through interviews and public appearances. His public statements have addressed bilateral trade, energy cooperation, the International North–South Transport Corridor, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, workforce mobility and opportunities for Indian companies in the Russian market.[36]

In interviews, he has advocated for moving India–Russia relations beyond traditional diplomatic goodwill towards commercially implemented projects, regional partnerships and joint ventures, emphasizing the importance of localized production and technological cooperation.[37]

Kotwani served as President of the Overseas Friends of the Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) Russia since 2014 and serves as Head of the BJP Delegation in the Commonwealth of Independent States.[38] He was invited to attend the swearing-in ceremonies of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India in 2014 and 2017.[39] In describing his political affiliation, Kotwani has characterized it as "non-political" in focus and stated that the organization's primary aim is to promote Indian culture rather than engage in domestic politics.[40]

Awards and recognition

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In 2008, Kotwani was honored with the "Person of the Year" award in the nomination "For contribution to the development of international cooperation."[41]

The Imperial Tailoring Company received the "Company of the Year" designation from Russian business organizations in 2009.[42]

In 2007, Kotwani was recognized as one of the top 10 living bespoke tailors globally.[43]

Family and personal life

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Kotwani's family has played an integral role in the development of his business enterprises. His brothers Jimmy and Andy have served as managing directors and key operational leaders in The Imperial Tailoring Company since joining him in Moscow in 1994 and 1995 respectively.[44] His cousins, including Tewani and Steve Kriplani, have expanded the business internationally, with Steve managing the Kyiv branch and others operating franchises in different parts of the world.[45]

Kotwani is a father of three daughters. He has stated that raising his children in Moscow while maintaining their connection to Indian culture was a significant motivating factor in his establishment of SITA and his commitment to organizing cultural events for the Indian community in Russia.[46]

Selected public appearances

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  • Russian–Indian business dialogue events in Moscow
  • St Petersburg International Economic Forum
  • BRICS and G20-related media programmes
  • Commonwealth of Independent States economic forums
  • India Day festival in Moscow
  • India–Russia trade and investment delegations
  • Business forums organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation

See also

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  • India–Russia relations
  • Indians in Russia
  • Bespoke tailoring
  • India Day
  • Indian Business Alliance

References

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  1. ^ "The dynamics of the India–Russia partnership - interview". Modern Diplomacy. December 16, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ "Millions take part in Moscow festival celebrating India culture". Big News Network. August 19, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  3. ^ "Over 2.7 million Guests: A Recap of the 10th "India Day" Festival in Moscow". ANO MCMS. August 21, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  4. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. ^ "History". The Imperial Tailoring Company. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ "Sammy Kotwani: Stitching culture, community, and Indo-Russian friendship". Global Indian. September 4, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ "History". The Imperial Tailoring Company. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ "Tailor to Tzars: The story of the Indian 'master cutter' in Russia who dresses Modi, Putin". The Print. March 18, 2022. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  9. ^ "History". The Imperial Tailoring Company. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ^ "History". The Imperial Tailoring Company. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. ^ "Sammy Kotwani: Stitching culture, community, and Indo-Russian friendship". Global Indian. September 4, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. ^ "Rediff.com". Rediff Internet Technologies. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. ^ "Tailor to Tzars: The story of the Indian 'master cutter' in Russia who dresses Modi, Putin". The Print. March 18, 2022. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  14. ^ "The creation of "The Imperial Tailoring Co"". The Imperial Tailoring Company Kiev branch. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  15. ^ "The creation of "The Imperial Tailoring Co"". The Imperial Tailoring Company Kiev branch. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. ^ "Tailor to Tzars: The story of the Indian 'master cutter' in Russia who dresses Modi, Putin". The Print. March 18, 2022. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  17. ^ "Going Global: Imperial Tailoring Co. (Moscow, Russia)". BFM 89.9. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  18. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  19. ^ "The dynamics of the India–Russia partnership - interview". Modern Diplomacy. December 16, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  20. ^ "About Us". Indian Business Alliance. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  21. ^ ""Opening of new global era": Sammy Kotwani on potential India-Russia partnership". WebIndia123. December 6, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ^ "India, Russia cement business ties at Moscow conference". Morung Express. January 11, 2026. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  23. ^ "Now is the time to foster ties with Russia - prominent Indian entrepreneur". Russia Herald. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  24. ^ "Reviewing the Dynamics of Indian–Russian Business Partnership". Business Post Nigeria. December 17, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  25. ^ "India Day Concludes in Moscow". ANO MCMS. July 8, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  26. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  27. ^ "Sammy Kotwani: Stitching culture, community, and Indo-Russian friendship". Global Indian. September 4, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  28. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  29. ^ "Millions take part in Moscow festival celebrating India culture". Big News Network. August 19, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  30. ^ "Over 2.7 million Guests: A Recap of the 10th "India Day" Festival in Moscow". ANO MCMS. August 21, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  31. ^ "India Day festivities kicks off in Moscow". India Culture Digest. August 20, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  32. ^ "Over 2.7 million Guests: A Recap of the 10th "India Day" Festival in Moscow". ANO MCMS. August 21, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  33. ^ "Millions take part in Moscow festival celebrating India culture". Big News Network. August 19, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  34. ^ "Millions take part in Moscow festival celebrating India culture". Big News Network. August 19, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  35. ^ "India Day festivities kicks off in Moscow". India Culture Digest. August 20, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  36. ^ "Sammy Kotwani: Stitching culture, community, and Indo-Russian friendship". Global Indian. September 4, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  37. ^ "The dynamics of the India–Russia partnership - interview". Modern Diplomacy. December 16, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  38. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  39. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  40. ^ "Tailor to Tzars: The story of the Indian 'master cutter' in Russia who dresses Modi, Putin". The Print. March 18, 2022. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  41. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  42. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  43. ^ "Sammy Kotwani". Roscongress Foundation. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  44. ^ "History". The Imperial Tailoring Company. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  45. ^ "Sammy Kotwani: Stitching culture, community, and Indo-Russian friendship". Global Indian. September 4, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  46. ^ "Sammy Kotwani: Stitching culture, community, and Indo-Russian friendship". Global Indian. September 4, 2025. Retrieved June 2026. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
[edit]
  • Official website of The Imperial Tailoring Company
  • Official website of the Indian Business Alliance
  • Official website of SITA (Indian National Cultural Centre)


Category:Living people Category:Indian businesspeople Category:Indian tailors Category:Indian expatriates in Russia Category:Businesspeople from Mumbai Category:India–Russia relations Category:Indian community activists Category:People from Moscow Category:Business leaders Category:Cultural ambassadors

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