Listen To This Post
New Delhi: India and Russia on Friday signed a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the port and shipping sector, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of a 30-day free e-tourist and group tourist visa for Russian citizens, marking a major step in boosting people-to-people connectivity and tourism between the two strategic partners. The announcements were made during the India–Russia Annual Summit 2025, being held in New Delhi as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day official visit to India.
Putin Thanks President Murmu, PM Modi for Warm Welcome
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm hospitality during his visit.
PM Modi personally received President Putin at Palam Airport on Thursday evening, where the two leaders were seen sharing warm hugs and light-hearted moments before travelling together from the airport. Later, PM Modi hosted President Putin for a private dinner at his official residence, underscoring the close personal bond between the two leaders.
30-Day Free E-Visa for Russian Tourists
Announcing the key tourism initiative, Prime Minister Modi said India will soon introduce both e-tourist visas and group tourist visas for Russian citizens, free of charge, with a maximum processing time of 30 days. “I am happy that we will soon be launching e-tourist visa and group tourist visa services for Russian citizens. The process will be completed within 30 days, and it will be free of charge,” the Prime Minister said.
The move is expected to significantly boost tourism, cultural exchange and business travel between the two countries.
Port and Shipping Cooperation MoU Signed
The MoU, signed on Friday, focuses on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the port and shipping sector, including maritime infrastructure, logistics, shipbuilding, port management, and maritime connectivity. The agreement aims to facilitate smoother trade flows and strengthen naval trade routes between India and Russia.
Putin on India-Russia Strategic Partnership
President Putin said that he and Prime Minister Modi have established a close and effective working relationship and continue to oversee the progress of bilateral cooperation personally.
“Prime Minister Modi and I have established a close working dialogue. We met during the SCO Summit, and we are personally overseeing the Russia–India dialogue,” Putin said.
Highlighting the strength of economic ties, he added that bilateral trade grew by 12 per cent last year, reaching a record level.
“Last year, our bilateral trade turnover grew by 12 per cent, setting a new record. We are currently forecasting that this year’s trade agreement will remain at the same impressive level,” the Russian President said.
Strategic Ties Set for Expansion
The India–Russia Annual Summit 2025 is expected to deepen further cooperation across trade, defence, energy, ports, shipping, tourism and strategic security, even as both nations reaffirm their long-standing partnership amid shifting global geopolitics.
