Russian nationals may soon be eligible for free 30-day visas from India: PM Modi, People-to-people connections have always held a special place in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, highlighting the importance of cultural ties between India and Russia. New Delhi will soon introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.
Following their discussions at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin released a joint press release in which they said that the two nations’ citizens have been deeply affectionate, respectful, and warm toward one another for decades, and that several new measures have been taken to strengthen these ties.
“India recently opened two new consulates in Russia. The residents of both nations will be able to communicate more easily and get closer as a result. At the International Buddhist Forum earlier this October, hundreds of thousands of devotees in “Kalmykia” were blessed by the holy relics of Lord Buddha,” said PM Modi.
Additionally, PM Modi said he was happy to announce that Russia will soon be able to obtain a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa from India.
“In addition to bringing our people together, manpower mobility will give both nations additional strength and opportunity. Two agreements to market it were inked today, which makes me happy. Additionally, we will collaborate on training, skill development, and vocational education. We will also expand contacts between scholars, athletes, and students in both nations,” the prime minister continued.
The exhibition of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India earlier in October sparked an unusual reaction in Kalmykia, Russia, in a potent demonstration of spiritual devotion and shared cultural legacy. The remains were reverently honored by thousands of devotees at the famous Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also referred to as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.”
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized last month that the opening of the two new missions would deepen bilateral engagement and mark a new phase in the two countries’ relationship when he spoke at the opening of the Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan in Russia.
“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 said.
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