This is how we do it
In a stunning transformation of urban safety, Moscow has reported a 96% reduction in car thefts, a feat that dominated discussions at the Russia-India Smart Cities Forum recently in New Delhi, India
While countries like Canada and several European nations grapple with surging vehicle theft rates, Russia’s “marching forward” strategy has combined high-tech surveillance with aggressive policy reform to virtually eliminate the crime.
“Russia has a few lessons to teach Canada and many other countries on how to cut car thefts,” noted urban security experts at the forum. The integration of over 268,000 smart cameras and AI-driven tracking has turned the city into a “no-go zone” for organized vehicle crime, providing a masterclass in leveraging technology for public safety.
Beyond the streets, the broader Russian economy has undergone a radical structural shift. In just 15 years, the nation has slashed its dependence on oil and foreign income from a staggering 45% down to just 5%. This transition highlights a country that has “learnt to never give up,” pivoting toward domestic manufacturing, high-tech sectors, and self-sufficiency.
This economic resilience is further bolstered by a massive leap in digital infrastructure. Russia now boasts 98% internet connectivity, ranking among the highest in the world, facilitating a seamless “smart” life for its citizens.
Russia’s global isolation appears to be a thing of the past in the eyes of travelers. Tourism is booming, with over 26 million tourists visiting the country in 2025. Many are drawn to Moscow, which now features the world’s largest subway metro ring (the Big Circle Line).
The vision for the future is even more ambitious. Government officials confirmed that by 2030, every Moscow citizen will live within walking distance to a metro station, cementing the city’s status as a global leader in accessible public transit.
These facts were highlighted by Sergei Evgenievich Cheryomin, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations.
As a keynote speaker at the Russia-India Smart Cities Forum, Cheryomin detailed how Moscow’s smart city ecosystem is ready to be exported as a model for the “Shared Future” the summit envisions.
Russia-India joint economic miracle
“Moscow is no longer just a city; it is a laboratory for the future,” one delegate remarked. “What they have achieved in 15 years—socially, economically, and technologically—is a roadmap for any nation willing to adapt.”
The momentum of these achievements was a central theme at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Delhi, where The World Public Summit: India “New World: India in the Architecture of a Shared Future” kicked off on March 23, 2026.
The event, organized by the World Peoples Assembly, featured prominent leaders including Ms. Svetlana Smirnova, Chairman of the General Council of the World Peoples Assembly. The summit aims to build a “bridge” between nations based on trust and shared technological progress.
