E-visa for Russia Citizens: India has introduced a major travel facilitation measure for Russian nationals, offering a free 30-day e-visa following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi. The initiative reflects an effort to deepen long-standing people-to-people ties and expand mobility between the two countries.
New E-Tourist and Group Visa Policy Explained
PM Modi confirmed that both e-tourist visas and group tourist visas for Russian citizens will soon be launched without any processing fee. Applications will be completed within 30 days, offering a simpler and faster entry process. The policy aims to support travel flows, cultural engagement, and growing bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening Manpower Mobility and Skill Exchanges
Modi stated that enhanced mobility will create new opportunities across sectors. India and Russia have signed agreements to promote vocational training, skilling, and educational exchange. Plans include increasing academic and sports exchanges and expanding collaboration in workforce development. These steps are expected to build stronger institutional links between the two societies.
Cooperation in Maritime Training and Emerging Sectors
A new area of collaboration involves joint training of Indian seafarers for operations in polar waters. This initiative aligns with India’s wider engagement with the Arctic and will bolster maritime capabilities for extreme-climate navigation. The partnership also extends to energy, nuclear collaboration, and critical minerals, sectors central to future industrial growth.
Exam Oriented Facts
- India will offer free 30-day e-tourist and group tourist visas to Russian nationals.
- Applications will be processed within 30 days at no cost.
- Both countries will cooperate on maritime training for polar operations.
- Critical minerals and civil nuclear energy remain priority areas of bilateral engagement.
Energy and Critical Mineral Cooperation Remain Core Pillars
Modi reaffirmed that energy security continues to anchor the relationship, with decades of collaboration in civil nuclear power supporting clean-energy goals. Cooperation in critical minerals is set to strengthen supply chain resilience for advanced manufacturing and green technologies. The new visa regime, combined with these strategic initiatives, marks a significant expansion of India–Russia engagement.