Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital and leading tourist destination, is set to celebrate World Tourism Day on 27 September 2025. Every year, the city strengthens its tourism infrastructure, improves visitor services, and enhances its global appeal. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, approximately 18,000 Indian travelers visited Moscow — a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the city’s growing popularity among Indian tourists.
The rise in Indian visitors is strongly supported by direct air connectivity, with daily flights operating on the Delhi–Moscow route, making travel convenient and seamless. Moscow’s longstanding friendship with India is reflected in the warm hospitality extended to Indian travelers, ensuring memorable experiences throughout the city.
Over the summer, Moscow hosted several large-scale India-focused events. The Festival of India, Bharat Utsav, held at Manezhnaya Square as part of the “Summer in Moscow” project, offered visitors opportunities to learn yoga basics and Hindi, explore Kathak and Odissi dance forms, enjoy Bollywood culture, taste authentic Indian cuisine, and engage with vibrant photo zones. Guests also experienced traditional Indian artistry, tried saris, and applied henna designs.
The annual Yoga Day, organised by the Indian Embassy in Moscow, continues to attract large participation. In 2025, it was held at Michurinsky Garden VDNH, featuring over 15 yoga schools and drawing more than 7,000 attendees. Yoga classes are also integrated into Moscow’s Sports Weekends, offered in parks and public spaces, while the second International Meditation Day took place in one of the city’s urban parks.
Moscow also hosted the 10th anniversary edition of “India Day” at Dream Island Park, welcoming a record 2.7 million visitors. Attendees enjoyed performances by Indian artists, traditional markets, colorful Holi celebrations, and culinary festivities, delighting both locals and tourists.
The Indian influence in Moscow extends beyond events to restaurants and cafés offering authentic Indian and vegetarian cuisine, from fine-dining establishments to casual street-food stalls across the city.
According to the Moscow City Tourism Committee, nearly half of international visitors last year expressed a desire to return. Among distant overseas countries, India ranks second in tourist flow to Moscow. With convenient logistics, streamlined visa processes, direct flights, familiar cuisine, and the deep-rooted friendship between Russia and India, Moscow continues to offer Indian travelers a warm and welcoming experience.
