Warning for Indian MBBS Students in Russia: Focus on Safety, Not Just Studies

Russia remains a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, especially in the field of medicine. Every year, thousands of Indian students enroll in Russian universities due to affordable fees and diverse programs. However, recent reports highlight serious risks, urging students to prioritize personal safety over college rankings or academic facilities.

Over 30,000 Indian Students in Russia
Currently, more than 30,000 Indian students are studying in Russia, with around 90% enrolled in medical programs. While Russia continues to attract students for its cost-effective education, authorities and experts caution that security concerns must now be a primary consideration.

Forced Recruitment into the Russian Military
Reports from 2024 and 2025 indicate that several Indian students on study visas were forcibly recruited into the Russian military and sent to fight in Ukraine. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 202 Indian nationals were recruited, with 26 fatalities and 7 still missing.

Most of these students came for medical or language courses but were misled by agents or coerced through legal blackmail into participating in military operations. The Indian government is reportedly in talks with Russian authorities to secure the release of these students.

Disturbing Cases

• Kishore Saravanan, a 22-year-old MBBS student from Kudaloor, Tamil Nadu, studying at Volgograd State Medical University, was arrested under a false drug trafficking case in May 2023. He was later pressured to join the Russian army and sent to Ukraine, despite refusing. His father reported that Kishore was beaten and forced to sign documents, receiving a Russian identity card and passport in the process.
• Ajay Godara from Bikaner, Rajasthan, enrolled in a medical course, was also forcibly recruited. A video sent to his family showed him in military uniform, claiming he was assigned kitchen duties but later deployed in combat. Four of the 15 Indian students recruited alongside him have died.
• Sahil Mohammad Hussain from Morbi, Gujarat, initially went to ITMO University to learn Russian. He was framed in a false drug case and coerced to join the Russian army to avoid imprisonment. He later fell into Ukrainian custody in October while fighting.

Government Advisory
The Indian government advises students heading to Russia for MBBS or other courses in 2026 to exercise extreme caution. Admissions should be thoroughly verified, and personal safety must take precedence over tuition fees, university ranking, or infrastructure.

Conclusion
While Russia remains an attractive destination for affordable medical education, recent incidents underline the dangers faced by international students. Ensuring proper verification of the institution and staying alert to local political and military situations is now critical for every student traveling abroad.