Recent statistics from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicate a troubling trend concerning Indian students studying abroad, particularly in Russia. Following a knife attack that left four Indian students injured, new data reveals that Russia accounts for over half of all complaints related to exploitation and racial discrimination reported by Indian students globally. The findings highlight the challenges faced by these students in the country, positioning Moscow as a significant area of concern.
In total, Indian students from 196 countries filed approximately 350 complaints of various complaints, including exploitation and harassment, with more than 200 of these cases originating from Russia alone. Notably, there has been a dramatic increase in such complaints over the past three years—from 68 in 2023 to 78 in 2024 and surging to 201 in 2025.
Demographics of Indian Medical Students in Russia
A large number of Indian students pursuing medical studies in Russia hail from states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Despite Russia being a favored destination for medical education due to lower tuition costs and comparatively lenient admission criteria, the rising complaints have raised significant safety alarms.
Unreported Incidents of Discrimination
Students have reported systemic discrimination by peers from other countries, with some claiming mental harassment from their universities, including threats of expulsion for seemingly minor infractions. Many students expressed that a considerable number of grievances do not reach the appropriate authorities, driven by fear of retaliation or complications regarding visa and immigration status.
Kanishka K, a sixth-year student at Bashkir State Medical University in Moscow, recounted a violent incident where a group of foreign students attacked Indian students in a hostel kitchen during a trivial dispute. He emphasized that many students refrain from reporting such incidents due to fears of being targeted or expelled.
Lack of Institutional Support and Rising Alternatives
Representatives of Foreign Medical Graduates associations have acknowledged the pervasiveness of racial profiling and inadequate support systems for Indian students in Russia. D Kaushal, a coordinator for All FMGs, stated that student complaints are often disregarded, leaving them to navigate their suffering in silence as institutions routinely sideline their issues.
He also pointed out that while Russian regulations restrict foreign student admissions to about 200 per institution, some universities contravene these guidelines, admitting in excess of 1,200 students only to later expel them, sometimes even in their final year. Such expulsions cause significant financial and psychological distress among the affected students.
As the situation worsens, many Indian students are increasingly turning to alternatives such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Manoj Kumar, president of the FMGs Association of India, noted that enrollment in Russian medical programs has decreased significantly, by at least 50%, in recent years. Furthermore, since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, there has been a noticeable drop in Indian students seeking MBBS degrees in Russia, driven primarily by safety concerns and uncertainties surrounding academia.
Support Initiatives from Indian Missions
In response to recent queries regarding the welfare of Indian students abroad, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, stated that dedicated officers have been assigned to Indian missions globally to address education and student welfare. He reassured that these missions actively maintain communication with Indian students and provide briefings on potential challenges.
Additionally, heads of missions and senior officials regularly visit foreign educational institutions to connect with Indian students and student associations, ensuring they are informed and supported during their time abroad.
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