New Delhi: India has taken a significant step to boost its ties with Russia by introducing a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement during a joint press statement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a move that will encourage more people-to-people contact and strengthen long-standing bilateral cooperation.
PM Modi said the new visa policy will open more avenues for Russian travellers, adding that both nations are expanding collaboration into new and specialised areas. He pointed out that India and Russia will now work together to train Indian seafarers for polar region operations, a move he believes will support India’s presence in the Arctic and help young Indian professionals find new employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister emphasised that energy cooperation continues to be a central pillar of the partnership, noting that decades of engagement in civil nuclear energy have played a decisive role in strengthening clean-energy goals. He reaffirmed that India and Russia will keep expanding this mutually beneficial cooperation in the future. He also highlighted the rising importance of critical minerals in global supply chains and said that both countries will work together to support diversification and stability in areas essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and emerging industries.
PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent call for peace regarding the Ukraine conflict and said New Delhi welcomes every initiative aimed at finding a lasting and peaceful resolution. He stated that India has remained ready to contribute constructively and will continue to do so. Speaking about terrorism, the Prime Minister said both countries have stood together in combating global terror networks and noted that recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and at the Crocus City Hall in Russia stem from the same extremist roots. He said terrorism is an attack on humanity’s core values and stressed that global unity is the most powerful response to such threats.
Reflecting on the overall partnership, PM Modi expressed confidence that the India-Russia friendship will continue to provide the strength needed to navigate global challenges. He said the trust and shared vision between the two nations will shape a stronger, more secure and more cooperative future.
