India rejects Russian demand for readmission pact for visa regime
Moscow | Sunday, Nov 22 2009 IST
 

Ahead of Prime Minster Manmohan Singhs official visit to Moscow, in early December, India has categorically rejected Russian demand to sign a readmission agreement in order to facilitate visa regime for Indians.

''India does not have a common border with Russia and there is no problem of illegal immigrants coming to this country, as all the Indians coming to Russia travel on valid Indian passports and Russian entry visas,'' Satbir Singh, the Deputy Chief of Indian Mission said here on the sidelines of Russia-India Public Dialogue, held after a gap of about 20 years.

''So there is no question of signing a readmission agreement with Russia,'' Mr Singh told mediapersons.

Russia has long insisted on India signing a readmission agreement before it signs a visa facilitation agreement similar to the one it singed with the European Union (EU) for the Russians.

Indian side has earlier repeatedly made it clear that the situation between Russia and the EU, where there has been such an agreement, is very different.

''First, Russia wants visa-free travel with the EU, and India does not want that India just wants easier procedures,'' an official said.

''Secondly, there are very few Indians who actually want to immigrate to Russia and there is no common border,'' he added.

-- (UNI) -- 22DF5.xml

 

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