Russia Plans to Ease Visa Rules For Six Countries Including India

Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov announced on Sunday that Russia is working on agreements to ease visa procedures and rules with six countries, including India, Syria, and Indonesia.

According to Ivanov, the Russian government is preparing draft intergovernmental agreements with Angola, Vietnam, Indonesia, Syria, the Philippines, and India that will simplify visa procedures for travellers from these countries.

Agreements on Visa-Free Travel with 11 Countries

Ivanov also revealed that Russia is negotiating visa-free travel agreements with 11 countries, including Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Zambia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago.

These agreements will increase travel freedom for citizens of these countries while also strengthening ties between Russia and these countries.

The announcement comes as Russia seeks to strengthen ties with non-Western countries. Since the start of the full-fledged invasion of Ukraine a year ago, Moscow has sought closer diplomatic ties with China, India, and African nations.

It may be noted that Russia’s invasion has been condemned and sanctioned by the United States, Japan, and the European Union, but China and India have not.

Russia’s efforts to ease visa procedures with India could further cement the relationship between the two nations and provide benefits for travellers from both countries.

Bottomline

The Russian government’s efforts to simplify visa procedures with several countries, including India, show its desire to build closer ties with non-Western nations. These agreements will promote greater freedom of travel and promote economic and diplomatic cooperation between Russia and these nations.