New Delhi, December 5, 2025 – In a significant development aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and boosting tourism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that India will soon introduce a 30-day free e-tourist visa for Russian citizens. The announcement came during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, following their high-level bilateral talks.

Speaking to the media, PM Modi outlined the initiative as part of a broader effort to enhance people-to-people connections, promote cultural exchange, and create new opportunities in tourism, education, and vocational training between India and Russia. “I am pleased to announce that we will soon be starting a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa,” PM Modi said. “Manpower mobility will create new opportunities for the people of both countries. We will be working together on vocational education, skilling, and training.”

The proposed visa initiative is expected to make travel to India more accessible for Russian tourists, eliminating processing fees and bureaucratic hurdles that often deter short-term travelers. The free 30-day e-tourist visa will also include a group tourist visa option, encouraging cultural, educational, and religious tours as well as organized travel programs. Officials believe that this move will further stimulate tourism between the two countries, particularly in cultural and heritage sites that have historical significance to both India and Russia.

PM Modi emphasized the importance of fostering people-to-people ties through tourism and educational exchanges. “We aim to strengthen connections between our peoples and create new avenues for collaboration in education, sports, and cultural activities,” he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing cooperation in vocational education, skills development, and professional training programs, noting that these initiatives will provide tangible benefits to citizens of both countries.

The announcement comes in the context of growing cultural engagement between India and Russia. In October 2025, millions of devotees received blessings from Lord Buddha’s sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia, Russia, reflecting the deep-rooted historical and religious links shared by the two nations. PM Modi referred to this event during the press conference, noting that such initiatives enhance mutual understanding and foster spiritual and cultural bonds.

Education and sports exchanges were also a key focus during the bilateral talks. PM Modi stated that both countries will work to increase the number of students, scholars, and athletes participating in academic and sporting programs abroad. “We will also increase the number of students, scholars, and players from both countries,” he said. These exchanges are expected to provide opportunities for skill development, international exposure, and collaborative learning, while fostering goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations at multiple levels.

The joint press conference marked the first visit of President Vladimir Putin to India in four years and the first since the onset of the war in Ukraine. During the briefing, both leaders discussed regional and global issues, emphasizing the importance of peace, stability, and cooperation in international relations. PM Modi reiterated India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, stating that India has consistently positioned itself on the side of peace.

Officials involved in the visa initiative said that the e-tourist visa system will be streamlined to ensure easy access for Russian travelers. This includes an online application process, minimal documentation requirements, and immediate electronic approvals. By removing visa processing fees, the government expects a surge in Russian tourist arrivals, which could benefit the hospitality, transportation, and service sectors across India. Popular destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Varanasi, and the Himalayan states are likely to see a significant increase in visitor numbers, while heritage and spiritual tourism circuits may also experience growth.

The free 30-day visa policy is also aligned with India’s broader strategy to boost inbound tourism from key international markets. Over the past decade, India has actively promoted e-visa facilities for citizens of multiple countries, reducing administrative barriers and making travel more convenient. The new initiative targeting Russian travelers represents a continuation of this policy, reflecting India’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties and cultural diplomacy.

In addition to tourism, the visa initiative is expected to facilitate business travel, professional collaboration, and academic exchanges. Russian students and scholars will have easier access to Indian educational institutions, research programs, and cultural forums, while Indian professionals and entrepreneurs may find increased opportunities for collaboration with Russian counterparts. Sports exchanges, including training programs and international competitions, are also expected to benefit from the streamlined visa regime.

Analysts believe that the move will have a positive impact on India-Russia relations at both governmental and citizen levels. By making travel easier and more affordable, the initiative fosters goodwill and encourages deeper engagement in multiple areas, from culture and education to commerce and innovation. The free 30-day e-visa and group tourist visa options reflect India’s proactive approach to people-to-people diplomacy, enhancing connectivity and mutual understanding.

President Putin’s visit to India and the discussions with PM Modi underscore the growing strategic and cultural partnership between the two nations. During the bilateral talks, both leaders reviewed ongoing collaborations in energy, defense, space technology, and trade, emphasizing long-term cooperation and mutual benefit. While the press conference focused on tourism and people-to-people connections, the visit also reinforced the importance of bilateral trade, investment, and industrial collaboration in shaping future relations.

The visa initiative has already generated significant interest among Russian citizens, with travel agencies and tour operators reporting high inquiries for upcoming trips to India. Cultural festivals, yoga retreats, spiritual tours, and historical site visits are expected to see increased participation, creating opportunities for local communities, small businesses, and service providers in India.

PM Modi’s announcement of the free 30-day e-visa and group tourist visa demonstrates India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral engagement through practical, citizen-focused measures. By reducing travel barriers and encouraging cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges, India is positioning itself as a welcoming and accessible destination for Russian travelers. The initiative also reflects India’s broader emphasis on leveraging tourism and mobility to strengthen international partnerships and build long-term people-to-people connections.

In conclusion, India’s upcoming 30-day free e-tourist visa for Russian citizens represents a strategic step in deepening cultural, educational, and economic ties between the two countries. Announced during President Putin’s first visit in four years, the initiative is expected to boost tourism, foster academic and professional collaboration, and enhance bilateral goodwill. By combining simplified visa procedures with a focus on people-to-people exchanges, India seeks to make travel more accessible, strengthen international partnerships, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation between its citizens and their Russian counterparts.