The Russian Embassy in Delhi used to be quite simple to get a visa from as recently as a few years ago. They even used to offer "self-sponsored visas", but those usually required leaving some sort of security bond with the embassy - and I doubt those are still offered anyway.

Still, Delhi will be much easier to get the visa than New York - I would reccomend she calls or visits the Russian Embassy while she is there and find out what paperwork they will accept - you may be able to get away with it.