10 Dec 2018 10:03

Volodin suggests removing visa barriers in tourist visits between India, Russia

NEW DELHI. Dec 10 (Interfax) - It is necessary to resolve administrative problems with the issuance of visas in Russia and India for mutual tourist visits, Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said.

"The number of tourists who come from Russia to India is increasing, and so is the number of tourists who come to Moscow, but that's not the number that can come if we create more comfortable conditions, reduce red tape with the issuance of visas, let's think about that, too," Volodin said during a meeting with Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu.

Many students from India are studying in Russia, and 90% of them are students of medical schools, he said.

Volodin also invited Naidu to visit Russia.

"We are waiting for you in Moscow and we will continue this dialogue in Russia," Volodin said.

Volodin also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

"Vyacheslav Volodin said words of welcome from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting participants spoke about the dynamic development of Russian-Indian cooperation, including interparliamentary interaction," the State Duma press service said.