Dmitry Vakhrukov, Russia's Deputy Minister of Economic Development, told Russian media that the first group visa-free tourist exchanges between Russia and India could begin in the third quarter of 2024.
"We hope to receive approval from our Indian counterparts in the first quarter. As always in international affairs, some time will pass before the paperwork is completed. That's why we are optimistic that in the third quarter the first tourists from India will come to Russia as part of visa-free group tours and we will be able to visit them without visas," Vakhrukov told Russian media.
"Even though there are unique aspects to managing international affairs, we're looking forward to launching visa-free travel this year," he mentioned.
According to official figures, more than 24.5 million tourists, including 2.3 million from abroad, visited Moscow, and this number is expected to grow.
Vakhrukov highlighted that in February, officials from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development participated in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2024 in Delhi to seek a joint agreement on visa-free group travel.
The Russian government has introduced numerous programs to promote tourism and business partnerships with India, focusing on B2B, B2C and cultural ties.
Bulat Nurmukhanov, head of the international cooperation department at the Moscow City Tourism Committee, expressed to Sputnik India that India is a top market and of strategic importance.
"Last year we welcomed more than 60,000 guests from India, which is encouraging considering the annual growth of 25%," Nurmukhanov noted.
According to official data, more than 24.5 million tourists, including 2.3 million from overseas, visited Moscow, and these numbers are expected to grow.