Two towns, one vision: Chd, Moscow mull twin city agreement

In a first, Chandigarh and Moscow are set to become twin cities, opening doors for various projects and programmes for mutual benefit and development.

S Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow has sent a draft memorandum of understanding to Chandigarh Mayor to be signed between both cities.

Once signed, the agreement will clear the decks for UT and Moscow collaborating in all aspects — in the fields of cultural, science, urban planning, education, medical research, transport, architecture and sports among others.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla had represented India and Chandigarh at the BRICS Urban Future Forum 2025, held in the Russian capital on September 17 and 18.

During the visit, Mayors of both cities discussed the possibility of collaboration. In the letter written to Babla, Cheremin said, “We look forward to exploring the possibility of signing the Program of Cooperation between the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and the Government of Moscow.”

Some of the areas Moscow desires to cooperate in are trade and economics, industrial development, commercial and innovative activities.

Other areas of co operation include in the field of organizing international cooperation, as well as strengthening ties between the parties, creation of conditions for establishing direct ties between the economic entities of Moscow and the Chandigarh civic body.

Exchange of experience also proposed in supporting small and medium businesses, human capital development, creation and development of innovative urban infrastructure, etc. Cooperation will extend to include exchange of experience on the formation of priority investment projects and attraction of foreign investment.

The partnership would also cover road transport infrastructure, passenger service, intelligent transport system and computer-aided engineering of traffic flows and parking system organisation.

Moscow expressed a desire to cooperate in the field of urban planning, digitalisation and modernisation of housing and communal services.

The draft MoU added that the parties will exchange ideas for planting greenery, improving urban spaces and form partnerships at the level of educational institutions.

Babla termed the development “historical”, saying, “The city will greatly benefit by the MoU once it is signed. The MC General House has passed the proposal in favour of MoU, which will be sent to the UT Administration and government for approval.”