Chennai: Concerns for Indian Students in Russia
Durai Vaiko, the principal secretary of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and MP from Trichy, recently met with Roman Babushkin, the Deputy Ambassador of Russia to India. The meeting took place at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, where Vaiko emphasized the urgent need to help Indian students stuck in Russia.
Vaiko raised alarms about the forced recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army, particularly focusing on a medical student named Kishore Saravanan from Tamil Nadu. Saravanan’s last message to his family indicated he was undergoing combat training in Mariupol before being sent to the frontlines. This alarming situation highlights a worrying trend, as families of at least 14 other Indian citizens have reported them missing.
In a letter addressed to Babushkin, Vaiko noted that since 2024, there are 31,444 Indian students in Russia, with around 2,000 from Tamil Nadu. The possibility that many may be forcibly drawn into the Ukraine-Russia conflict is causing widespread anxiety. Such incidents can have lasting emotional effects on students and families considering education in Russia.
Vaiko underscored the importance of the India-Russia relationship, a bond that has thrived through decades of mutual respect and cooperation, dating back to leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi. He expressed hope that this friendship would pave the way for immediate action regarding the students in distress.
He also mentioned troubling reports about agents misleading Indians into coming to Russia for jobs, only for them to face coercion into military service. Despite challenges in international trade, India continues to foster its relationship with Russia.
Babushkin responded, stating that there is no official involvement from the Russian government in these issues, attributing incidents to intermediaries acting unlawfully. He assured Vaiko that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ request, along with Vaiko’s appeal, is being acted upon for Saravanan and others affected.
In a world where data shows significant student movement, an estimated 60% of Indian students abroad are in regions with complex geopolitical issues. The ramifications can be serious, affecting not only the individuals involved but also international relations. Conversations on social media reflect shared concerns, with many users expressing solidarity and urging quick actions from authorities.
In summary, the plight of Indian students in Russia has raised grave concerns. The ongoing situation calls for urgent attention to safeguard their futures and maintain strong diplomatic ties.
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RUSSIAN EMBASSY, RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR, INDIA RUSSIA RELATIONS, INDIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS, DURAI VAIKO, TN MP DURAI VAIKO MEETS RUSSIAN ENVOY, DEMANDS SAFE RETURN OF INDIAN STUDENTS
