Russia and India will begin discussions in June to establish visa-free group tourist exchanges, aiming to enhance tourism and economic ties.
Russia and India are preparing to initiate consultations in June to discuss a bilateral agreement aimed at simplifying travel between the two countries. This agreement seeks to enhance tourism ties by introducing visa-free group tourist exchanges.
The announcement was made during the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2024” in Kazan. According to Nikita Kondratyev, director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, the first discussion on the draft agreement is scheduled for June, to be signed by the end of the year (Sputnik India) (Sputnik India).
Russia aims to replicate the success of its visa-free tourist exchanges with China and Iran, which began on August 1, 2023. These agreements have significantly boosted tourism collaboration between Russia and these countries. The proposed agreement with India is expected to have a similar impact, fostering greater tourism and economic ties between the two nations (Sputnik India).
The move is part of Russia’s broader strategy to expand its tourism outreach by simplifying visa processes and increasing the number of countries eligible for visa-free travel. The successful implementation of this initiative with India could pave the way for more comprehensive and seamless travel experiences for tourists from both countries (Sputnik India).
