India announces free 30-day e-tourist visa for Russians

India has taken another step to deepen its partnership with Russia by announcing free 30-day e-tourist visas and 30-day group tourist visas for Russian nationals.

During a joint press briefing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new visa provisions for Russian travellers. “I am happy that very soon we are going to introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens,” he said.

Modi noted that India-Russia cooperation is expanding into new sectors, including maritime training in extreme weather regions. He said both countries will begin collaborating to train Indian seafarers for operations in polar waters. “This will not only strengthen our cooperation in the Arctic but also create new employment opportunities for India’s youth,” he added.

Energy remains a cornerstone of the India-Russia relationship. Modi highlighted the steady nature of this collaboration, particularly in civil nuclear energy, which he said has played a key role in supporting shared clean-energy goals. “Energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership… We will continue this win-win cooperation,” he affirmed.

Modi also emphasised growing collaboration in critical minerals, a sector increasingly essential for clean technologies and modern manufacturing. He said such cooperation will help ensure stable and diversified global supply chains. “This will provide solid support to our partnership in clean energy, high-tech manufacturing and new-age industries,” he noted.

Reiterating India’s position on the Ukraine conflict, Modi said India has consistently advocated for peace and supports all efforts aimed at a lasting resolution. “India has always been ready to contribute its part and will remain so in the future,” he said.

He also underscored the longstanding India-Russia cooperation against terrorism, pointing to recent attacks such as those in Pahalgam and at Crocus City Hall. Modi stressed that the root cause of such incidents is the same, and that global unity is essential to counter terrorism.

Expressing confidence in the future of the bilateral partnership, Modi concluded, “I am fully confident that in the times to come, our friendship will give us the strength to face global challenges — and this trust will enrich our shared future.”