In a setback to growing tourism in India, Russia has removed the country from the list of safe travel destinations for its tourists, reports said on Sunday.

Reports quoting the Russian information centre in Goa that a revised travel advisory had been issued following the blacklisting of Egypt and Turkey.

Interestingly, regions like Cuba, South Vietnam and southern China are placed amongst 'safe' destinations in the new list issued by Russia, a report in Times of India said.

The Russians, however, said that the removal of Goa from the safe list was not connected to terror attacks but some ugly local incidents, it said.

The move is likely to affect tourism in Goa hugely as the coastal state is considered to be one of the favourite tourist spots for Russian travellers.(Agencies)