Savitha Gowda

We were detained by Russian Immigration when we traveled to Russia on a vacation, many years back.

For whatever reason, at the immigration counter, the official stared at us for awhile and then one by one, we were guided silently by a lady officer to the immigration department. Not a word was spoken by us or the officer. So, we had no clue why we were being detained.

Many Indians who were part of our tour group, were detained. After sometime, a young good looking male officer, came out of the room(we were seated outside the immigration department office), he asked if we had an invitation letter to visit Russia. Thankfully, he knew and spoke English fluently. We said “No”, as we were on a group tour and all we had was the itinerary and flight tickets, provided by the travel agent.

Luckily, the travel agent had requested me to carry a thick file of all the documents, reservations etc. for our group tour, to hand it over to the tour guide(who was already in Russia for another group tour).

I showed this file to the officer and he asked me if he can take it , I said yes . He was very polite and very nice to us.

After sometime they let us all go and when we came out of the airport, the guide told us he was also detained and had the same experience.

At one point I was wondering what if we get deported ? Our entire 2 weeks tour to Russia and East Europe tour is doomed. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

But, I must say Russia is a beautiful country! The Palaces are so beautiful. I did not expect that! We also watched the famous Russian Circus. It was a memorable trip!

In fact, in one of the palace complex, a Russian artist started playing a Hindi song after he saw us, that was very sweet of him!

India and Russia have a great relationship from a long time. Russia has stood by India many a times in the past and continues to do so.

Back in the day, Russians loved Raj Kapoor’s movie and a Russian actress acted in Mera Naam Joker movie too.

I grew up watching Russian gymnasts, athletes, Tennis players and cheering for them. So, Indians have a big soft spot for the Russians. And of course, the Russian women are one of the most beautiful women on Earth!

I do want to travel to Russia again! Hopefully, I don’t get detained again, asking me, why I am baaaackkkk?!