Sergey L. Kotov, Consul-General of Russia, Chennai, said on Wednesday that his country would explore the possibility of employing Indians studying in Russia in India-Russia joint venture projects.
Delivering a special lecture at Nehru Memorial College at Puthanampatti near here, he said a large number of Indian students had been visiting Russia to study medicine, space technology, engineering, science, and so on. They had been receiving due recognition in India. There was a view that they could be engaged in India-Russia joint ventures in both countries. The opportunities would be explored to provide employment to them. It would motivate the Indian students to visit Russia for studies.
Stating that India and Russia had been enjoying strong bilateral, cordial, and mutual relationship for several decades, Mr. Kotov said the proposed visit of President Viladimir Putin to India in December would cement the relationship further. A number of agreements on nuclear energy, defence, space technology, and cultural relationship were likely to be signed. The visit would enable both countries to increase mutual trade and commerce.
Calling upon the Indian students to look at pursuing higher studies in Russia, he said it had a number of highly reputed institutions, specialised in medicine, space science, and others. It had highly educated work force as the literacy rate was 99.6 per cent. It had high level of basic education, significant scientific research and technical resource. It was following the policy of providing school and higher education free of cost. It was providing short term — three to six months — post graduate courses for Indians.
The Consulate had planned to conduct Russia Education Fair in Chennai and Bengaluru twice a year.
Mr. Koto said it had proposed to provide quality education in Russia to the poor children of India. The number of children to be benefitted under the programme was being worked out.
M. Ponnambalam, Chairman, Nehru Memorial College, said India and Russia were natural friends. The friendship should be strengthened further.
Yulia Antonova of Consulate General of Russia, Chennai, Pon. Balasubramanian, president, Bala Jawahar, college committee member, T. Jayaprakasam, Principal, and A. Prabaharan, Dean, Nehru Memorial College, were present.
