Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia's Minister of Economic Development, said visa restrictions are not a major obstacle to relations between Russia and India, in comments to Russian state-funded broadcaster RT.
Reshetnikov said the topic of visa restrictions is not currently a serious barrier between the two countries.
He pointed out that India had already abolished the fee it charged Russian citizens for electronic visas, a step he cited as a sign the two countries were easing travel between them.
Russia's economic ministry
Reshetnikov heads the Ministry of Economic Development, the Russian government body responsible for shaping economic policy and managing trade and investment relations with foreign partners. India and Russia have expanded cooperation on trade, energy and defense in recent years as both countries look to deepen ties.
India's visa-free plans still undecided
Reshetnikov's comments followed remarks by Vinay Kumar, India's ambassador in Moscow, who said India had not yet made a final decision on whether to introduce visa-free travel for Russian citizens traveling in organized tourist groups.
For now, Kumar said, only government officials and diplomats are permitted to enter India without a visa. Tourists and other ordinary travelers still need to apply for one.
A popular destination for Russian travelers
India is one of the world's most visited countries, drawing travelers to sites such as the Taj Mahal, the palaces of Jaipur and the beaches of Goa. Visa rules, including fees and application requirements, are a key consideration for tourists planning a trip abroad.
New Delhi's earlier decision to scrap the electronic visa fee for Russian nationals has been seen as a step toward easier travel between the two countries, though no timeline has been given for a broader visa-free arrangement.
Lower visa costs and simpler entry rules can make a destination more attractive to travelers, and both countries have said they want to increase the number of visitors traveling between Russia and India.
