Russia likely to launch visa-free travel for Indian tourists from 2025
New Delhi: Indian tourists may soon be able to visit Russia without needing a visa, with the new system likely to commence in the spring of 2025.
Russia and India had held discussions earlier about a bilateral agreement to ease visa restrictions, aiming to introduce visa-free group tourist exchanges.
This follows a move in August 2023, when Indian travellers became eligible for e-visas to travel to Russia, which generally takes about four days to get processed.
In 2023, India was one of the top five countries receiving e-visas, with around 9,500 issued to Indian citizens.
Currently, Indian nationals are required to have a visa issued by the Russian Embassy/Consulates in the nation to enter, stay and exit from the Russian Federation.
Notably, Russia allows visa-free entry for travelers from China and Iran through its visa-free tourist exchange programme. The program has been successful, and Russia is hopeful it can extend this benefit to India as well.
Indian passport holders currently have visa-free access to 62 countries.
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Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja denied entry to sacred chamber of TN's Andal Temple; sparks row
Chennai: Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja's visit to the Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, has stirred a debate after his request to enter the temple's sanctum sanctorum was declined by priests and authorities.
Citing longstanding traditions, temple officials clarified that no devotees, regardless of status, are allowed beyond a specific point in the temple premises.
While social media buzzed with allegations that the denial was linked to Ilaiyaraaja's Dalit identity, temple authorities refuted this claim, stating the restriction applies uniformly to all visitors.
A senior government official confirmed that Ilaiyaraaja was informed of the rules at the Arthamandapam area and complied without objection. During his visit, the maestro was given a traditional welcome by temple seers, Sri Satakopa Ramanuja Jeeyar and Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami, ahead of the release of his musical composition, Divya Pasuram. He was also honored with Andal's sacred garlands and silk garments.
The Andal Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and revered for its spiritual significance, upholds strict traditions that limit access to its inner sanctum for all devotees
SHOCKING: Ilaiyaraaja denied entry✖️ to Sanctum Sanctorum and asked to get out by the priests at Srivilliputhur Andal Temple🛕 pic.twitter.com/Aii7GQPg6k
— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) December 16, 2024
