From Our Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Goa, Dec 1: The Russian consulate has said the safe remains to be a safe destination though there are some irritants which can be addressed.

"Apropos the news item appearing in the various newspapers relating to ‘India no longer a “safe” destination for Russians’ the Consulate does not subscribe to the news items expressed by the Russian Information Centre which is a private travel agency operating in Goa and which has sourced its information from Interfax which is again a private news agency," reads the statement released by the consulate."

The Consulate confirms that there has been no advisory regarding ‘India no longer a “safe” destination for Russians’, contrary to what has appeared in the press.

"However the Consul General in Mumbai confirms that it receives from time to time information and suggestions from tourists staying in the state regarding some minor irritants such as requiring tourists to return to their country in the same charter on which they have arrived in Goa," the statement says.

"Similarly extension of visas, loss of passports need to be streamlined so as to assure the tourists a hassle free stay in Goa."

The consulate has said any advisory to the Russian citizens will only be issued by the Russian govetnment. Authorities will be made available through the Russian Consulate.