India, Russia to Implement Visa-Free Group Tourism by End Of Year

New Delhi: India and Russia are set to significantly boost tourism ties through the launch of visa-free group travel arrangements. The initiative, expected to be finalised by the end of 2024, follows discussions scheduled for June to establish a bilateral agreement.

Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, announced the development during the Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024. He highlighted India’s progress in finalising internal approvals and expressed confidence in signing the agreement by year-end.

This visa-free program will mirror successful models already implemented between Russia and China, as well as Russia and Iran, which began in August 2023. The aim is to foster greater cultural exchange and collaboration between the nations.