Panaji, August 10, 2026: A dedicated Office of the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Goa was inaugurated in Panaji on Monday, marking a new step towards strengthening assistance for Russian citizens in Goa and promoting tourism, trade and bilateral ties between India and Russia.
The office was inaugurated by His Excellency Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation based in Mumbai, along with Varun Albuquerque, Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Goa.
The new office is located at Alcon Chambers, 1st Floor, D.B. Marg, Panaji, Goa.
Dedicated Support for Russian Citizens in Goa
Speaking at the inauguration, Honorary Consul Varun Albuquerque said the opening marked an important milestone as it was the first dedicated office established to look after Russian citizens and tourists in Goa.
Albuquerque, who has served as the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Goa since March 2025, said the office would work towards ensuring that Russian visitors and citizens in Goa receive support while also contributing to stronger India-Russia relations.
He said the office would focus on assisting tourists and Russian citizens, while also promoting trade between India and Russia and strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Preparing for the Tourist Season
Consul General Ivan Fetisov highlighted the strong connection between Russian visitors and Goa, noting that many Russians continue to have a special affinity for the state.
He said the dedicated office would help the Russian mission prepare for the upcoming tourist season and ensure that Russian citizens visiting Goa feel comfortable and supported.
Fetisov also stressed the importance of cooperation with the Goa Government and police authorities in addressing situations involving Russian citizens and tourists.
He further highlighted Moscow as a destination for Indian travellers, describing the city as a major centre for tourism, culture and business.
According to Fetisov, Indian visitors to Moscow can access a range of facilities, including restaurants catering specifically to their preferences.
‘Moscow – Beyond the Headlines’ Exhibition
Coinciding with the inauguration, the Consulate General of Russia in Mumbai is also hosting a week-long exhibition titled “Moscow – Beyond the Headlines” at the venue.
The exhibition showcases different facets of Moscow and Russia, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the country’s culture and identity beyond its portrayal in news headlines.
The exhibition is expected to complement the inauguration by promoting greater cultural understanding and people-to-people connections between India and Russia.
Focus on Tourism, Trade and Cultural Relations
The opening of the dedicated office comes at a time when Goa continues to remain an important destination for international tourists.
For the Russian mission, the office is expected to provide a local point of assistance for Russian citizens while also serving as a platform to facilitate stronger engagement in areas such as tourism, trade and cultural exchange.
The initiative also reflects an effort to deepen people-to-people ties between Goa and Russia and create greater opportunities for cooperation.
With the tourist season approaching, the new office is expected to play an important role in supporting Russian visitors and strengthening coordination between Russian representatives and authorities in Goa.
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