Russia is working on opening direct air service between India and St. Petersburg in the near future, Dr Elena Remizova, director of the Russian House in Mumbai, said during her address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Dr Remizova emphasized that having direct flights between India and St Petersburg would not only facilitate travel and trade, but also foster cultural exchange and increase people-to-people contact between the two nations.
"In the field of tourism, the issue of opening air links between India and St Petersburg is on the agenda, which will help increase the tourist flow in both directions", Dr Remizova said.
She highlighted the increasing interest of Indian tourists in exploring the historical and cultural attractions of St Petersburg, making it an ideal destination to establish direct air connectivity.
"Having in mind that India may soon become the third country with which Russia will sign an agreement on visa-free group trips, Russian hotels need to expand and implement India-friendly programmes, within which Indian tourists will be able to receive the set of services they need", she stressed.
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is an annual platform that brings together more than 15 000 participants from all over the globe. The 27th edition of the SPIEF began on Wednesday, features delegations from 139 countries and regions, and will run until June 8th.