Major Concern: Indian Students Exploited in Russia | 200 Complaints Filed in 2025

Four Indian students were injured in a stabbing incident at a Russian university hostel on February 7th. Following this incident, the issue of safety and difficulties faced by Indian students studying in Russia has once again come to the forefront.

Meanwhile, data from the Ministry of External Affairs has revealed a startling finding: more than half of the complaints filed by Indian students worldwide regarding exploitation, harassment, and racial discrimination were related to Russia alone.

According to government data, in 2025, Indian students studying in 196 countries filed approximately 350 such complaints. More than 200 of these complaints were from students studying in Russia.

The number of these complaints has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2023, 68 complaints were filed, which increased to 78 in 2024, and further increased to 201 in 2025.

Universities also face accusations of mental harassment.

Most Indian medical students studying in Russia come from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Russia has long been a preferred destination for Indian students due to its low fees and easy admissions.

However, complaints have now surfaced, raising concerns about student safety. According to media reports, many students say they often face discrimination from students from other countries.

Students allege that university administrations also often harass them mentally. They are threatened with expulsion for trivial matters. Fear of visa and academic problems prevents many students from openly expressing their concerns.

A former student at Moscow's Bashkir State Medical University told the media that after a minor altercation in their hostel kitchen, some foreign students attacked Indian students and threatened them with a knife.

Indian students often face racial discrimination

Organizations for foreign medical graduates say that racial discrimination against Indian students has become common in Russia. Students are often subjected to abuse, and when they complain, they receive inadequate support from university administrations.

Students also say that while regulations require admission to a university of only 200 foreign students, some universities admit over 1,200.

These students are later expelled, sometimes even in the sixth year. This causes significant financial loss and mental stress.

The number of Indian students going to Russia has decreased by 50%

Due to the worsening situation, many Indian students now consider it safer to study in countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan rather than Russia.

Manoj Kumar, President of the Foreign Medical Graduates Association of India, told the media that due to these difficulties, the number of Indian students going to Russia has decreased by 50% in the last few years.

He also said that since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, uncertainty regarding security and studies has increased, further eroding student confidence.

When asked a question in the Lok Sabha on this issue, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that special officers have been deployed in Indian embassies to assist Indian students and workers abroad.

He stated that embassies remain in constant contact with students, educating them about the challenges and risks there, and senior officials also visit foreign universities to interact directly with Indian students.