Russian billionaire eyes India

New Delhi, January 25 :

Russian billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov is upbeat about “huge business opportunities” in India as his Sistema group eyes telecom, hotel industry and infrastructure in this country.

“It’s not visa but a lack of awareness about opportunities in each other’s country that’s holding back India-Russia business ties,” Yevtushenkov said in an interview here.

Yevtushenkov will join Russian President Valdimir Putin’s delegation during the latter’s two-day visit.

“Visa is not a major problem. It will be sorted out soon,” the 58-year-old, who according to Forbes magazine is among Russia’s 11 richest men, said. “Neither is language a problem. Practically, every Russian speaks English,” he replied when asked why India-Russia business ties have been slow in taking off despite excellent political and strategic relations.

“I see India as a huge opportunity. We are establishing a new relationship between our countries based on business.”