Russian Business Ties to France, China, and India Persist Despite Sanctions
Despite international sanctions imposed in response to the war in Ukraine, business connections between Russia and several key nations – notably France, China, and India – remain robust. While sanctions have complicated travel and increased scrutiny, commercial activity continues, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing economic interplay between Russia and the global community.
Visa Trends Reveal Continued Business Engagement
Data from 2025 indicates that France is the second-leading country for issuing visas to Russian citizens, trailing only China. This signifies a continued flow of Russian business travelers to France, despite increased restrictions. China maintains its position as the top destination, issuing the largest number of business visas to Russians for the third consecutive year. India has too seen a significant rise in visa applications from Russian citizens, indicating growing commercial ties.
China’s Dominance in Russian Business Visas
China’s prominence in issuing business visas to Russians is unsurprising, given the close economic relationship between the two countries and the overall attractiveness of the Chinese market. Beijing’s visa exemption policy, extended to 43 states including Italy and Switzerland until December 31, 2026, further facilitates this trend. While the exemption policy, implemented in September 2025, led to a slight decrease in the overall share of Chinese visas issued to Russians (from 58% in 2024 to 48% in 2025), China still accounts for 88% of all business trip requests from Russia. France 24
France and India See Increased Russian Business Interest
France experienced a 45% increase in business visa applications from Russians in 2025, issuing 8% more permits compared to the previous year. India also saw a substantial increase, with a 35% rise in visa requests and a 7% increase in visas issued to Russian citizens. These figures demonstrate a clear trend of growing business travel despite the challenging geopolitical climate.
Impact of Western Sanctions on Travel
European Union sanctions have demonstrably impacted travel for Russian citizens. The temporary revocation of the visa facilitation agreement with Russia has led to stricter application conditions, increased fees, and longer processing times. Restrictions on multiple-entry visas and tourist travel have also made travel to the EU more complex. Still, these measures have not halted business travel, suggesting a continued need for commercial engagement. France 24
Other European Destinations for Russian Business
Beyond France and Italy, other European countries attracting Russian business travelers include:
- Sragna
- Switzerland
- Greece
- Saudi Arabia
- Hungary
Italy’s Strong Economic Ties
Italy continues to be a significant destination for Russian business travelers, with the turnover of companies controlled by Russian capital reaching €2.5 billion – exceeding that of France by a factor of ten.
Geopolitical Context and Cooperation
In December 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss global issues, including the war in Ukraine and trade relations. France is seeking to encourage China to exert pressure on Russia towards a ceasefire, while also aiming to attract Chinese investment and improve market access for French exports. AP News This meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and foster cooperation on critical global challenges. RFE/RL
France’s China policy emphasizes engagement on global issues, climate, and military-to-military communication, while also balancing and de-risking trade and investment. Atlantic Council