Tourism Groups Push Open Skies Between India, Russia
Industry representatives at a New Delhi event called for expanded direct flights to boost tourism and trade with Russia.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Middle East
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Tourism representatives called for an open skies policy between India and Russia at the 'Open Your Russia 2.0' programme in New Delhi, where a unanimous resolution was passed. Currently there are around five direct flights between Delhi and Moscow, and services from Mumbai appear to have been cancelled or are unavailable.
Why it matters
Limited direct flights are identified as a key obstacle to expanding tourism exchanges between the two countries. Officials say improved air connectivity could lift tourism and trade, and a joint tourism working group has been proposed to address transport challenges.
The figures come from industry stakeholders at the 'Open Your Russia 2.0' programme rather than an official government dataset. Officials project a 50 to 100 per cent rise in tourism and trade within two years, but the source does not explain the methodology or say whether airlines have committed to new routes.
The players
Center for Strategic Research (CSR)
The Center for Strategic Research is the organization that implements the 'Open Your Russia 2.0' programme, which promotes Russian regions to international visitors.
Anupam Vohra
Anupam Vohra serves as Moscow MICE Ambassador and is a tourism-sector figure who said joint working group discussions are planned.
Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal is a senior Indian government minister who spoke to ANI on the sidelines of the event about the tourism push.
The details
Representatives from the Tver, Sverdlovsk and Leningrad regions, along with the Republic of Karelia, presented recommendations for attracting Indian visitors at the Russian Cultural Centre event. Moscow MICE Ambassador Anupam Vohra said discussions are planned for a joint tourism working group.
Timeline
Within two years: projected tourism and trade increase from improved connectivity
Regional Outlook
The push extends the 'Open Your Russia' programme, which is backed by Russia's Ministry of Economic Development and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, from regional promotion toward air-connectivity policy. India is treated as a priority international market for Russian regions, making direct flight access the next step in that outreach.
Travelers planning trips between India and Russia should note that direct options are currently limited to around five Delhi-Moscow flights, so booking early may matter. Any expansion of routes would depend on airline decisions that have not yet been announced.
The takeaway
Improved air links could open new travel options for Indian visitors to Russian regions, but the benefits depend on airlines actually adding routes. Watch for the proposed joint tourism working group to see whether concrete connectivity steps follow.
Further reading
For broader regional context, explore the Middle East travel section.
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