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Modi's Surprise Gift to Russia: Free Tourist Visas Amid Deepening Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a significant announcement for Russian travelers. During talks with President Vladimir Putin, he revealed India will soon launch free 30-day tourist visas for Russian citizens. This move aims to strengthen the deep cultural and people-to-people bonds between the two nations. The announcement follows the opening of new Indian consulates in Russia and a successful Buddhist relics exhibition.

Key Points: Modi Announces Free Tourist Visas for Russian Citizens

  • PM Modi announces free 30-day e-tourist and group visas for Russian citizens
  • New Indian consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan to facilitate smoother bilateral contact
  • Agreement signed to promote manpower mobility, vocational training, and student exchanges
  • Recent exposition of Lord Buddha's relics in Russia drew thousands of devotees
3 min read

Citing longstanding cultural ties, PM Modi announces free tourist visas for Russian citizens

PM Modi announces free 30-day e-tourist visas for Russian citizens, citing deep cultural ties and new consulates to boost people-to-people connections.

"Manpower mobility will not only connect our people but also create new strength and new opportunities for both countries. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Dec 5

Emphasising the significance of cultural ties between India and Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that people-to-people connections have always held a special place in bilateral relations and New Delhi will soon launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.

In a joint press statement with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday, PM Modi stated that for decades, the people of both countries have shared deep affection, respect and warmth for one another and that several new steps have been taken to deepen these bonds.

"Recently, two new Indian consulates have been opened in Russia. This will facilitate smoother contact between the citizens of both countries and enhance mutual closeness. Earlier this October, hundreds of thousands of devotees in ‘Kalmykia’ received the blessings of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha at the International Buddhist Forum," PM Modi stated.

PM Modi also expressed his pleasure in announcing that India will soon launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.

“Manpower mobility will not only connect our people but also create new strength and new opportunities for both countries. I am glad that two agreements have been signed today to promote it. We will also work together on vocational education, skilling and training. We will increase exchanges between students, scholars and sportspersons of both countries as well,” the Prime Minister added.

Earlier in October, in a powerful display of spiritual devotion and shared cultural heritage, the exposition of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India drew an unprecedented response in Russia’s Kalmykia. Thousands of devotees paid their reverent homage to the relics, enshrined at the iconic Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the "Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha."

Last month, speaking at the inauguration of the Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan in Russia, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasised that the opening of the two new missions would deepen bilateral engagement and mark a new phase in the relationship between the two countries.

“I'm very sure that the opening of these consulates will not only enhance our diplomatic presence in Russia, but will act as a catalyst to further boost trade, to increase tourism, economic, scientific, technology, and even academic and cultural ties between our two countries,” EAM stated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Free visas are great for tourism, but I hope this is reciprocal. When will Russian government announce similar ease of travel for Indian citizens? Our students and professionals face a lot of hurdles there. The relationship should be a two-way street.
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Aman W
Smart move! This will definitely boost our tourism sector. Russians love our beaches in Goa and spirituality in Rishikesh. More tourists mean more business for local vendors, hotels, and guides. Win-win situation.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in both countries, this is heartening to see. The cultural ties, especially through Buddhism, are profound and often overlooked. Facilitating travel is the best way to build understanding beyond just government-level talks.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the gesture for stronger ties, I hope the government is also focusing on improving tourist infrastructure and safety. We need to ensure a good experience for visitors so they become ambassadors for India back home.
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Nikhil C
The focus on student and sportsperson exchanges is the key takeaway for me. Our youth can learn so much from each other in fields like science, technology, and winter sports. This is about building the future, not just tourism.

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