India to offer free 30-day visas for Russians, Modi and Putin push trade to 100 billion dollars
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India will soon offer Russian citizens a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday while highlighting the longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Speaking alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin after their talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Modi said the warmth and mutual respect shared for decades remain central to the relationship and that several steps are being taken to strengthen these bonds.
PM Modi noted that two new Indian consulates have recently opened in Russia, a move he said will make contact between citizens smoother and deepen engagement. He also recalled the major cultural moment earlier in October when hundreds of thousands of devotees in Kalmykia received the blessings of sacred relics of Lord Buddha during the International Buddhist Forum.
The Prime Minister said increased manpower mobility will connect the people of both nations and create new opportunities, adding that two agreements have been signed to promote this and that India and Russia will work together on vocational education, skilling, and training.
Student, scholar, and sportsperson exchanges will also be expanded.
The expansion of diplomatic presence has continued with the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said these new missions would deepen bilateral engagement and help boost trade, tourism, science, technology, and cultural ties.
Putin’s visit has also focused heavily on trade.
After the talks, the Russian President announced that both countries are aiming to increase annual bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars. He acknowledged that while the goal is ambitious, it is achievable and will require strategies to boost Indian exports and address the trade imbalance. This includes aligning India’s competitive sectors with Russian import needs and targeting areas where Russia has high demand, and India has global strengths.
Putin thanked Modi for the warm welcome extended to the Russian delegation and said he has established close working and personal contact with the Indian leader. He described their discussions, including a private dinner the previous night, as constructive and friendly and said both leaders continue to monitor cooperation across all strategic areas.