Visa-free travel between India and Russia to soon become reality; agreement likely by 2024-end

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• May 18, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The move is part of Russia's broader strategy to replicate successful visa-free tourist programs already in place with China and Iran...

Digital Desk: Visa-free travel between India and Russia is on the horizon as the two nations prepare to begin consultations on a bilateral agreement in June. This initiative aims to boost tourism connections through visa-free group tourist exchanges by the end of 2024, as announced by Russian Minister Nikita Kondratyev. Speaking at the International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2024" in Kazan, Kondratyev highlighted that India is in the final stages of internal state coordination for the agreement.

Kondratyev, director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry's Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, emphasized that the first round of discussions on the draft agreement would take place in June, with a signing expected by year-end. This development promises to enhance tourism ties and facilitate easier travel between the two countries.

The move is part of Russia's broader strategy to replicate successful visa-free tourist programs already in place with China and Iran. Russia and China initiated their visa-free group tourist program on August 1 last year, and a similar arrangement with Iran began on the same date, marking significant strides in tourism collaboration.

Presently, Indians enjoy visa-free travel to several destinations, including Barbados, Bhutan, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Nepal, Niue Island, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Serbia, and Trinidad & Tobago. 

The upcoming visa-free travel agreement with Russia will further expand the list of accessible destinations, providing Indian travelers with more opportunities to explore Russia's rich cultural and historical heritage without the hassle of visa formalities.

This impending agreement underscores the growing partnership between India and Russia and their commitment to fostering closer economic and cultural ties through enhanced tourism.