In a historic move, India and Russia have decided to offer free 30-day e-tourist visas to each other’s citizens. The announcement was made in a joint statement issued after the meeting between PM Modi and President Putin. A total of 16 agreements were also signed in areas such as labor mobility, migration, defense, trade, education, and media.
e-Tourist Visa: Taking relations between India and Russia to new heights, both countries have made significant changes to travel regulations. Indian citizens will now receive a free 30-day e-tourist visa to visit Russia (Russia e-Tourist Visa). This decision was announced in a joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This step is considered crucial in strengthening the growing strategic connection and people-to-people contact between the two countries.
In addition to this free visa policy, India and Russia signed a total of 16 important agreements, including on labor mobility, migration management, defense cooperation, trade, economy, health, education, culture, and media partnership. The two countries have also set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
When will I get the free e-Tourist Visa?
India and Russia have agreed to grant each other’s citizens a free 30-day e-tourist visa. This move will facilitate travel between the two countries and elevate tourism to a new level.
Highlights of the free visa
- The visa will be completely free.
- It will be issued in e-Visa mode.
- Valid for 30 days.
- Applicable only for tourism.
- Equal benefits for citizens of both countries.
What will change with this move?
India and Russia have also signed a Labor Mobility Agreement. This means:
- Citizens of one country will be able to work temporarily in the other.
- Work permit processes will be simplified.
- Mobility of skilled workers will increase.
- New employment opportunities will be created between the two countries.
- An agreement was also reached on migration management.
- The two countries have agreed on a new framework to combat illegal migration.
What will be the benefits?
- Visa abuse will be reduced
- Travel processes will be transparent
- Better coordination between the two countries’ systems
$100 billion trade by 2030
New Delhi and Moscow have set an ambitious target. Both leaders promised to reach $100 billion in India-Russia bilateral trade by 2030. PM Modi said, “After my conversation with President Putin, I am confident that we will achieve this target before 2030.”
Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement have also begun.
PM Modi confirmed negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with the Indo-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU FTA). This agreement will further facilitate India-Russia trade.
What impact will free visas have on Indian travelers?
- Travel to Russia will become easier and more affordable.
- Visa fee: ₹0.
- E-Visa reduces paperwork.
- Best option for 30-day travel.
Conclusion
This new agreement between India and Russia is not just a visa amendment, but a step that will strengthen the relationship between the two countries. With a free e-tourist visa, labor mobility agreements, migration management, and 16 major agreements, this partnership will become even stronger in the coming years. This decision will have a positive impact on every sector, from trade targets to travel regulations.
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