Russia is boosting Hindi courses at top universities amid rising student demand and stronger India-Russia ties, opening new education and job opportunities.
Moscow is stepping up efforts to expand Hindi language education across its universities, reflecting a surge in student interest and strengthening strategic ties with New Delhi.
Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky, in an interview with Russian state agency TASS, emphasized the importance of Hindi studies in Russia, citing both demographic and geopolitical shifts. “We want more of our students to study Hindi,” he said, noting that India, now the world’s most populous nation, has far more Hindi speakers in daily life compared to English.
According to Mogilevsky, the demand for Hindi courses is on the rise across Russia. Leading institutions in Moscow, including MGIMO, RSUH, the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, and the Moscow State Linguistic University, are already offering Hindi programs. “The number of students enrolled in Hindi is increasing, and the number of groups is two to three times larger,” he explained.
The interest extends beyond Moscow, with universities in St. Petersburg and Kazan also reporting higher enrollments in Hindi classes. This growing academic enthusiasm coincides with India and Russia’s deepening partnership amid strained relations with Washington.
On August 27, the US administration announced a doubling of tariffs on Indian imports to 50 percent, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil—a move seen as a challenge to Moscow’s energy trade amid the Ukraine conflict. Despite Western pressure, India has emerged as a major buyer of Russian crude since the war began.
At the same time, Russian industries are increasingly turning to Indian talent. India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, confirmed rising opportunities for Indian professionals in machinery and electronics. “At a broader level, there is manpower requirement in Russia, and India has skilled manpower. So at present, within the framework of Russian regulations, laws and quotas, the companies are hiring Indians,” he said.
Currently, most Indian workers in Russia are engaged in construction and textiles, but new sectors are opening up. “The number of people interested in hiring Indians in the machinery and electronics segments is growing,” Kumar added.
The influx of Indian workers has also led to greater demand for consular services, ranging from passport extensions to documentation for childbirths and replacements for lost passports.
With academic enthusiasm for Hindi studies on the rise and employment opportunities widening for Indians, the India-Russia partnership appears poised to strengthen further across education, energy, and workforce collaboration.
