India will soon roll out a free 30-day e-tourist visa for Russian visitors, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirming the development during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi. The announcement followed bilateral talks held at Hyderabad House.

What has India announced for Russian travellers?

PM Modi stated that India is preparing to offer Russian tourists a free e-tourist visa valid for 30 days, along with a similar 30-day group tourist visa.

He said, "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. Manpower mobility will create new opportunities for the people of both countries. We will be working together on vocational education, skilling, and training."

The Prime Minister added that both types of visas will be available without any processing fees.

Why is the visa initiative significant?

PM Modi emphasised that the move aims to strengthen people-to-people relations and expand tourism between India and Russia. He said the government intends to boost travel exchanges and create smoother entry processes for Russian citizens.

He highlighted recent cultural links, noting that in October this year, millions of devotees had the opportunity to receive blessings from Lord Buddha’s sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia.

What other areas of collaboration were discussed?

PM Modi said that India and Russia will deepen cooperation in education and sports by increasing exchanges between students, scholars and athletes.

He said, “We will also increase the number of students, scholars, and players from both countries. Friends, today we discussed regional and global issues. India has always been on the side of peace in relation to Ukraine.”

The leaders also discussed broader regional and global matters, with PM Modi reiterating India’s consistent stance on peace concerning the Ukraine conflict.

The joint press briefing marked President Putin’s first visit to India in four years and the first since the Ukraine war began. The visit underlined the continuing diplomatic engagement between the two countries despite global geopolitical shifts.