"Committed to increasing number of international students to half a million by 2030": Russian envoy to India at Indo-Russian Educational summit
New Delhi, May 28
The Russian ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, on Thursday said that Russia is commited to increasing the number of international students in Russia to half a million by 2030, while highlighting Russia's academic strengths and its expanding global education outreach.
Addressing the Indo-Russian Education Summit 2026, Alipov said, "The Russian education system combines renowned scientific schools, rigorous academic standards, practical training and professional relevance in key sectors of the modern world, including engineering, medicine, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, nuclear science, industrial innovation and advanced research in various fields. Today, Russia hosts around 300,000 international students, including nearly 40k from India only."
He added, "We are committed to increasing the number of international students in Russia to 500,000, half a million by 2030. It is encouraging to witness the steady expansion of academic exchanges and joint research initiatives between our countries. Broader avenues of cooperation create new opportunities for students and for scholars while helping address global challenges and promote innovation."
He also said that universities across Russia and India are building dynamic partnerships in various sectors. He added, "Universities across Russia and India are building dynamic partnerships in engineering, economics, governance, medicine and advanced technologies."
He further underlined institutional collaborations between the two countries and also welcomed the initiatives of the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan to expand educational cooperation with Russia.
He said, "We also welcome the productive partnership between Dr. Ambedkar University in Agra and the MGIMO University, which includes student exchanges, internships, and academic collaboration. Among medical institutions, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University collaborates with IIT Bombay, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, the University of Delhi, and JIS University in medical education, joint research, and academic exchanges. Kazan Federal University has introduced English-language medical programs and academic mobility initiatives within the framework of the Indian ITEC and GIAN programs. We welcome the initiatives of the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan to expand educational cooperation with Russia, including through Russian language programs."
He also highlighted the opening of Russian language centres in various regions of India. "In 2025-26 alone, Russian language centres were opened in Trivandrum, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, while institutions in other Indian states also show a growing interest in such initiatives," he said.
According to the official website, the Indo-Russian Education Summit 2026, currently being held from May 28 to 29 at Le Meridien, Connaught Place, in the capital, is bringing together policymakers, academicians, and institutional leaders from India and Russia to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, research, and student mobility.
The website added that the Indo-Russian Education Summit, now in its second edition, has evolved into a major platform for advancing academic collaboration between India and Russia.
The summit focuses on strengthening educational ties, expanding higher education opportunities, building industry partnerships, and showcasing innovation in the education sector, while aiming to connect institutions and create pathways for students and scholars across both countries.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Half a million international students by 2030? That's ambitious! But as an Indian student who studied in Moscow, I must say the language barrier is real. While English programs exist, daily life without Russian is tough. Hope they focus more on language support for Indian students.
Excellent initiative! Russian engineering and AI programs are world-class. The fact that they're partnering with IIT Bombay and Delhi University shows serious intent. My son is considering Russia for his masters in aerospace engineering. Very promising.
Good to see Russian language centres opening in Trivandrum and Bengaluru! Many students from Kerala already go to Russia for medicine. More language support at home will definitely help. But I wish they'd also increase scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
As someone who works in higher education, I see both sides. Russia offers quality education but we must ensure Indian degrees are recognized back home. The MCI screening test for Russian medical graduates is a challenge. The governments should work on mutual recognition of qualifications.
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