India has announced a free e-visa facility for Russian tourists, a move aimed at boosting travel from Russia and further strengthening bilateral relations. The decision was made public during the joint press briefing held after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin concluded their talks in New Delhi.
Modi said that India will soon begin issuing E-tourist visas and group tourist visas to Russian citizens without any processing fee, adding that applications will be completed within 30 days. The move is expected to boost tourism and people-to-people ties at a time when both countries are working to expand their economic and strategic partnership.
Alongside the visa announcement, the two leaders also launched the Vision 2030 roadmap, which aims to deepen collaboration in sectors such as trade, investment, technology, co-production and co-innovation. Modi said the agreement will “create new business opportunities” for both nations and noted that progress is being made toward securing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union.
President Putin expressed appreciation for the warm reception from India and emphasised the importance of his strong working relationship with PM Modi. He described their discussions — including those held during an informal dinner — as useful in advancing the India–Russia strategic partnership and maintaining close oversight of bilateral priorities.
