NMG has signed a cooperation agreement with three of India's largest media companies.

The National Media Group (NMG) has announced the signing of cooperation agreements with three of India's largest media companies. Among them are Prasar Bharati, India's largest state—owned broadcasting company, Asian News International (ANI, India), South Asia's leading multimedia news agency, and the Indian media group TV9 Network (Associated Broadcasting Company Private Limited). The signing took place within the framework of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to India and the Russian-Indian Forum in New Delhi.

As part of the agreement with Prasar Bharati, the parties agreed to share and jointly produce content in the fields of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports, and news of mutual interest. The agreement with Asian News International (ANI, India) will allow both companies to systematically develop cooperation, improve the quality of international news exchange and provide the audience with broader and more objective coverage of current events in the two countries. The agreement with TV9 Network provides an opportunity to develop cooperation through the exchange of media content, joint production of materials, training and internships for employees, expanding the distribution of media products, as well as using the potential of correspondent networks.

Svetlana Balanova, General Director of the National Media Group, stressed that the centuries—old ties between India and Russia are a solid bridge connecting the two great nations through a wealth of traditions and mutual respect. It is also a solid foundation for further friendly, cultural and business cooperation.

"Compared to last year, the volume of NMG content sales in India has increased almost eightfold, and we are registering steady interest in Indian content among our viewers, both on TV and VOD platforms. We are already actively working in the Indian market: just a few days ago, filming of a new large-scale show for the CTC TV channel "Secret Millionaire", which was filmed by more than 100 Indian specialists, was completed in India. Working together with Indian colleagues at a new level will allow us to better understand the interests of Russian and Indian content consumers. Cooperation opens up new opportunities in the production of media products and the exchange of experience in the context of global business transformation," Svetlana Balanova said.

According to Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the National Media Group represents a significant expansion of Prasar Bharati's cooperation with the Russian media ecosystem. The comprehensive partnership framework covers content sharing and co-production in the fields of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports, and news, creating diverse opportunities for audiences in both countries to experience each other's rich content offerings.

"We are particularly excited about the prospect of exploring the possibility of hosting our TV and radio channels on each other's digital platforms on a reciprocal basis — this will significantly expand the reach and accessibility of our content. Providing access to our PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) news service will allow the National Media Group to access authentic audiovisual content from India for broadcast purposes. In addition to cooperation in the field of content, the memorandum creates a reliable base for the exchange of experience, training programs and joint projects that will enable the use of the creative and technical potential of both organizations. This partnership embodies the concept of Prasar Bharati's global presence — building strategic international media alliances that promote cultural understanding and strengthen ties between the peoples of India and Russia," said Gaurav Dwivedi.

Sanjeev Prakash, editor-in-chief and CEO of ANI, said that the news agency is pleased to officially conclude a partnership with NMG at a time when cooperation between India and Russia continues to expand in various industries.

"Cooperation will strengthen our ability to provide reliable, timely and comprehensive news to audiences in both countries. By working closely with NMG, we strive to deepen intercultural understanding and enhance the global flow of reliable information," he said.

Hemant Sharma, Executive Director of TV9 Network, said the agreement between TV9 Bharatvarsh and the National Media Group will facilitate the exchange of information content and news between the two countries. TV9 Bharatvarsh, the only global news channel broadcasting in Hindi, will help to convey to the audience Russia's point of view on world events, and India — to show Russian viewers the Indian assessment of the global news picture, Hemant Sharma emphasized. He also expressed confidence that the cooperation will be long-term and will open a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between India and Russia.

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