The number of students opting for Russian universities increased by 34% last year, government data shows

The number of Indian students studying in Russia increased 34% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data presented by the Russian Education Ministry to parliament on Monday. Meanwhile, the number of Indian students choosing to study in countries such as the US, UK, and Australia decreased.

According to the ministry's data, cited by local media, there has been a significant rise in the number of Indian students selecting Russia as their study destination over the past three years, with enrollment numbers increasing from 19,784 in 2022 to 23,503 in 2023, and then to 31,444 in 2024.

Specifically, the number of students going to the US dropped from 234,473 in 2023 to 204,058 in 2024, reflecting a 12.9% decline. This decrease was likely due to uncertainty about the future of US immigration policy in the event Donald Trump returned to the White House, the report noted.

Recently, Indians have been facing violent attacks in the US. Over a dozen young people from the country have died in America since the start of 2024. 

New Delhi's embassy and consulates have been asked to warn students about potentially dangerous areas of US cities, the minister said, adding that student welfare is "very important," with over one million Indian citizens currently studying overseas.

Canada, another primary destination for Indian students, experienced a 41% drop in enrollment. Historically, India was one of the largest sources of international students in Canada, with 427,000 Indians enrolled in Canadian institutions as of August 2024, as reported by Business Standard.

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However, the trend shifted following tensions between the two nations, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in targeting Sikh separatist leaders in Canada. The activists, part of the Khalistan movement, advocates the creation of a separate Sikh nation-state in India's Punjab region. New Delhi views the movement as extremist and has banned key Khalistan groups operating primarily in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia.