Moscow: Russia has sent a proposal to India to launch a visa-free tourist group exchange programmes for citizens of both the nations, media reports said.

"We have sent a proposal there [to India]. At the moment, the work is underway through diplomatic channels, we will accelerate it," Russian Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov was quoted as saying to Rossiya 24 broadcaster by Sputnik.

Russia signed agreements on limited visa-free travel for tourist groups with China in 2000 and with Iran in 2021, but their implementation was paused due the COVID-19 pandemic, reports the Russian news agency.

Interestingly, Russia launched the visa-free tourist group exchanges with China and Iran on August 1, 2023.