Kazan, Russia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a vibrant and heartfelt welcome from the Indian diaspora in Kazan today upon his arrival for the BRICS Summit. The community gathered at his hotel, waving the Indian tri-colour and chanting “Modi, Modi ” while a Russian cultural troupe performed a Krishna Bhajan. The Indian diaspora in Kazan, though relatively small, holds a vital role in bridging cultural and economic ties between India and Russia. Modi’s visit was marked by an important announcement—the opening of a new Indian consulate in Kazan, a move that has been widely praised by the local Indian community. Modi, while addressing the diaspora, highlighted the consulate’s role in fostering deeper connections. “We have decided to open new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. This will enhance travel, trade, and business between our countries, ” he said to resounding applause. This development is expected to bring formal support to the Indian community, providing services such as visa facilitation, trade assistance, and consular services. The Indian community in Kazan primarily consists of professionals and students. The city growing reputation as an educational hub has attracted a significant number of Indian students, especially in the fields of medicine and engineering. Kazan Federal University is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, particularly for its medical school, which has been a draw due to its affordable tuition fees and internationally recognized degrees. Indian students are also enrolled in engineering programs at institutions like Kazan State Technological University and Kazan National Research Technical University, further bolstering academic ties between the two nations.
Apart from education, Indian professionals in Kazan are involved in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. With Russia increasingly diversifying its economy, the Volga region, of which Kazan is a part, is seeing growing Indian investments in areas such as pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. The new consulate is expected to streamline business operations and foster greater investment opportunities, further integrating the Indian community into Kazan’s economy. The diaspora has also played an active role in cultural exchanges. Indian students and professionals regularly organize cultural programs, such as Indian film screenings, dance performances, and festivals like Diwali, which have become popular with the local Russian population. These cultural initiatives strengthen people-to-people ties, one of the key pillars of the India-Russia relationship. PM Modi acknowledged this during his address, stating, “All of you present here are giving new heights to the relations between India and Russia. You have contributed to Russian society with your hard work and honesty. ” The opening of the consulate in Kazan will likely provide the Indian community with a more formal platform for engagement, helping them better integrate into the local economy and society. It will also enhance services available to the diaspora, streamlining processes like visa applications, legal assistance, and trade facilitation. Furthermore, the consulate is expected to boost tourism and student exchanges between India and Russia, as the community grows in both numbers and influence.
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