MOSCOW: Russia has put forward a proposal with India to implement a visa-free system for tourists from both countries to visit each other's countries if they travel in organized groups. This was stated by the Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.

From August 1, Russia has issued an e-visa to Indian passport holders, which allows them to travel faster. The minister said that the plan to allow visa-free visits has been implemented with China and diplomatic talks are going on with India.

The Tourism Department is facing a reduction in the number of tourists arriving in the country post-Covid. The Minister added that the war in Ukraine has also created a challenge in the tourism sector. A group of five people is allowed to travel without a visa.

Russia has implemented a similar agreement with Iran.

Russia has also implemented a system where citizens of 55 countries can get an e-visa for 52 dollars. The validity of this document is sixty days. This visa also permits one to stay in the country for more than sixteen days.