Russia Strengthens Its Position in the International Antitrust Community
India is playing a special role on the international stage this year. Apart from chairing the G20, in October the country is hosting the VIII BRICS Competition Conference, which is held every two years. The HSE International BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre is involved in developing the programme and organising the conference. Alexey Ivanov, Director of the Centre, recently became a member of the International Advisory Board of India's Centre for Competition, Investment and Economic Regulation—CUTS.
The International Advisory Board of the Centre for Competition, Investment and Economic Regulation—CUTS International (Consumer Unity & Trust Society)—focuses on competition advocacy and economic development. CUTS is India's oldest academic centre dedicated to consumer issues.
The International BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (BRICS Centre) was established as an independent expert and analytical unit of HSE University at the initiative of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia and with the support of the BRICS antimonopoly authorities.
CUTS has a network of international offices around the world. Leading experts in antitrust regulation, academics, and practitioners are invited to join the International Advisory Board. This year Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Centre, joined the board. He is its twenty-first member and the only representative from Russia.
In addition to its head—Mr Frederick Jenney, Chairman of the OECD Competition Law and Policy Committee—the board includes Mr William Kovacic, former Head of the US Federal Trade Commission and current Director of the George Washington University Competition Law Center; Ms Eleanor Fox, Professor at New York University School of Law and one of the most respected scholars in the field of antitrust law worldwide; and other academics from Europe, the US, and the BRICS countries.
During his visit to the CUTS International headquarters in Jaipur, Alexey Ivanov gave an academic lecture to CUTS staff on new approaches to regulating digital ecosystems. In particular, he spoke about the results of the current phase of the eco-antitrust project currently being implemented by the BRICS Centre and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). The Director and the CUTS management discussed further cooperation and the organisation of a joint academic seminar in New Delhi on trends in antitrust regulation and new challenges for competition advocacy.
Alexey Ivanov also met with senior officials of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in New Delhi, where he strengthened the cooperation between the Centre and the agency and the involvement of the Centre in the preparation of the VIII BRICS Competition Conference, which India is hosting this year.
The final item on the programme was a meeting with Mr Suresh Prabhu, former member of the Indian Cabinet, former member of the Skolkovo Foundation Board, and current G20 and G7 Sherpa to the Indian Prime Minister. Mr Prabhu is the founding chancellor of Rishihud University. Alexey Ivanov and Mr Prabhu discussed the prospects of cooperation between HSE University and Rishihud University and the organisation of BRICS Centre events at the university.
Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Centre
We are striving to develop cooperation with all BRICS countries. Our Centre has already organised international conferences in South Africa and Brazil and has formed strong partner networks there. This year, we plan to work more closely with India. India currently holds the Presidency of the G20, and our work is in line with the Presidency's stated priorities of seeking unity and implementing the international agenda for the developing world. CUTS is our longstanding and trusted partner, and I am honoured to be on the International Advisory Council, working in a team of such global antitrust stars.
See also:
HSE University–St Petersburg Signs Three Cooperation Agreements with Leading Indian Universities
A delegation from HSE University–St Petersburg has signed cooperation agreements with key educational institutions in India during a visit to the country. Among the projects are new programmes for academic exchange and mobility.
HSE University Holds HSE CS × BRICS Ideathon
On November 9, 2025, the HSE CS × BRICS Ideathon—a large-scale intensive event for students aimed at developing international project skills and finding solutions to current challenges facing BRICS countries—took place at HSE University’s Pokrovsky Bulvar campus. The event was organised by the Multilateral Strategic Projects Office with the support of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia , the Faculty of Computer Science (FCS), and the HSE FCS Hackathon Club
‘India Can Be Very Colourful and Festive’
HSE University's Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs hosted a celebration of the Indian holiday Diwali, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Guests were immersed in the authentic atmosphere of India, learning about Diwali’s traditions and symbols, participating in national dances, and taking part in mehendi workshops, rangoli art with rice, and paper lanterns making. The event was organised as part of the ‘Holidays of the Peoples of the East’ project.
‘To Help Make the World More Sustainable, Fair, and Humane’
The BRICS International School: New Generation has concluded at HSE University, bringing together more than 100 participants from 38 BRICS and Global South countries. The attendees included early-career researchers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, journalists, and civil society representatives.
HSE University–St Petersburg to Create Joint Continuing Education Programmes with Indian Business School
A delegation from the Institute for Continuing Professional Education at HSE University–St Petersburg discussed new cooperation formats with the Indian Institute of Management Indore (India). The partnership opens up new opportunities for HSE University–St Petersburg to create interdisciplinary programmes with strong practical elements and immersion in the business cultures of the Asian region.
‘Everyone Who Sees HSE University on My CV Says: “You Must Be So Smart!”’
On October 9–10, the first-ever HSE International Alumni Reunion brought together graduates from various cohorts and programmes—now working in Russia and abroad—along with representatives of HSE University and its industry partners. The event included a tour of the campus, a business game, and a cultural festival. The participants exchanged experiences, reflected on their career paths, and discussed labour market challenges.
HSE University–St Petersburg and Indian Institute of Management to Launch Joint Seminar for PhD Students
Galina Shirokova, Director of the Strategic Entrepreneurship Centre at HSE University–St Petersburg and Doctor of Economic Sciences, held a series of seminars for students of the Indian Institute of Management in Indore (IIM—Indore). Plans are also underway to launch a joint educational project.
‘Regulators Must Understand That Absolute Predictability is Unattainable’
On October 10–11, 2025, the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre at HSE University (the BRICS Centre) hosted a two-day international seminar, ‘Platform Economy: Competition Law and the Market Power of Digital Platforms,’ in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event brought together competition authorities from BRICS+ nations and leading antitrust experts from around the world.
Achieving Financial Independence: Experts Discuss Development of BRICS National Currency Settlements
How can BRICS countries move away from the dollar in international settlements, and what can they do to advance this goal today? These questions were discussed by experts during a round table at HSE University. The event was organised by the Multilateral Strategic Projects Office together with the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs as part of HSE’s activities within the BRICS Network University and the Joint Basic Research Projects ‘International Academic Cooperation of HSE University.’
Environmental Regulation in Russia and India
In Schola’s latest instalment showcasing the winners of the International Academic Cooperation of HSE University competition, Aleksei Sorbale speaks about the project ‘Regional and Inter-Regional Associations in Norm-Building and Norm-Control in the Area of Environmental Regulation in Russia and India,’ carried out jointly with a research team from India’s University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES).