Russia accounts for over 50% plaints by Indian students abroad: MEA

HYDERABAD: At a time when a knife attack that left four Indian students injured in Russia has put the spotlight on the challenges faced by them in the country, latest external affairs ministry data shows that over 50% of all complaints of exploitation and racial discrimination reported by Indian students globally originate from Russia, with Moscow emerging as the biggest hotspot. As per the data, Indian students across 196 countries registered around 350 complaints of exploitation, harassment and racial discrimination in 2025. Of these, more than 200 came from Russia alone.

What has raised serious concern is the steep rise in such cases over the past three years - from 68 complaints in 2023 to 78 in 2024, before surging to 201 in 2025. The majority of Indian medical students in Russia belong to states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. While Russia remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, particularly those pursuing medical education, due to relatively lower tuition fees and easier admission processes, the sharp increase in complaints has triggered serious safety concerns. Cases unreported for fear of expulsion Students in Russia whom TOI spoke to said they are routinely discriminated against by students from other countries, with some even alleging mental harassment by universities themselves, including threats of expulsion over minor issues or violations. They said many of their grievances never reach official channels due to fear of retaliation from varsities or complications related to visas and immigration.

"During my sixth year, a group of foreign students attacked Indian students in the hostel kitchen over a minor argument and threatened them with a knife," said Kanishka K, a graduate from Bashkir State Medical University, Moscow. He reiterated that "many such incidents are never reported because students are scared of being targeted or expelled". Members of Foreign Medical Graduates associations admitted to widespread racial profiling, verbal abuse and a lack of institutional support for Indian students in Russia.

"Complaints are rarely taken seriously. Students suffer in silence as universities often sideline them," said D Kaushal, coordinator of All FMGs. He further claimed that while Russian regulations limit foreign intake to around 200 students per institution, some universities admit over 1,200 students and later expel them, sometimes even in sixth year, in violation of norms. "Such expulsions leave students in severe financial and psychological distress," he said. Owing to the deteriorating situation, FMGs say many Indian students are now opting for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan instead. "The number of Indian students choosing Russia has declined significantly, by at least 50%, in recent years due to these issues. Moreover, since the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Indian students have shown declining interest in pursuing MBBS in Russia because of safety concerns and academic uncertainty," said Manoj Kumar, president of the FMGs Association of India. Missions for student welfare matters Meanwhile, replying to a recent LS query on Indian workers and students facing exploitation, detention, wage denial and racial discrimination abroad, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said dedicated officers have been posted in Indian missions and posts overseas to handle education and student welfare-related matters. "Our missions maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled abroad and brief them on challenges and threats, if any, that they may confront during their stay there. Heads of missions and senior embassy officers visit foreign educational institutions in their respective countries of accreditation to interact with Indian students and students' associations," he said.