Growing Hindi Language Craze in Russia: Universities Boost Language Learning
Russia is advancing a major campaign to promote the Hindi language in its educational institutions. This initiative not only reflects the growing interest of Russian youth in Hindi but also underscores the depth of cultural, strategic, and economic ties between India and Russia. Russia’s Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Konstantin Mogilevsky, recently stated that he wants more Russian students to learn Hindi in order to better understand India’s demographic, cultural, and economic significance.
Widespread Expansion of Hindi in Russia
In Moscow, leading universities such as MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations), RSUH (Russian State University for the Humanities), the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, and Moscow State Linguistic University already offer Hindi language courses. The number of students studying Hindi at these institutions has doubled or even tripled in recent years. Beyond Moscow, universities in major cities such as St. Petersburg State University and Kazan Federal University have also witnessed a notable rise in the number of students learning Hindi. This expansion highlights that interest in the language is no longer limited to the capital but is spreading across the country.
Motivation and Importance of Learning Hindi
Konstantin Mogilevsky pointed out that India is the most populous country in the world and the use of Hindi continues to grow. He noted that more and more Indians today are using Hindi in their daily lives instead of English, making it essential to learn Hindi in order to understand India better. Studying the language will not only enhance linguistic skills but also provide deeper insight into India’s culture, traditions, and social life. It is also seen as a medium to take the traditional ties between Russia and India to new heights.
Impact on India-Russia Relations
This initiative comes at a time when India and Russia are strengthening their partnership despite international pressure and global changes. Recently, the United States imposed up to 50% tariffs on India for importing oil from Russia, but India did not bow to this pressure and continued its strategic and economic relations with Russia. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also emphasized that, after China, Russia is India’s most stable and reliable partner since World War II. Later this year in December, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India, which is expected to further boost bilateral ties.
Growing Interest in Hindi Among Youth
The popularity of Hindi in Russia is rising steadily, especially among the younger generation. While previously the number of students learning Hindi was very limited, today that number has grown significantly. Many young learners now regard Hindi as an important global language. The language is gaining relevance not only for traditional academic purposes but also for professional, technological, and diplomatic reasons. Consequently, universities are increasing the number of courses and study groups dedicated to Hindi.
A New Dimension of Economic and Cultural Cooperation
India and Russia have traditionally enjoyed strong economic and defense relations, spanning areas such as technology, energy, and trade. Now, the promotion of Hindi adds a cultural and academic dimension to this partnership. This initiative is also creating new opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs, technicians, and academics in Russia. Demand for Indian professionals is on the rise in fields such as machinery, electronics, construction, and textiles.
Conclusion: A New Chapter of Friendship and Cooperation
The growing interest in Hindi language education in Russia goes far beyond linguistic studies — it is a living testimony to the broad and deep relationship between India and Russia. This initiative signals that both countries are giving new direction to their partnership for the future, strengthening bonds of friendship, understanding, and cooperation among their younger generations. Through the medium of Hindi, this cultural exchange is laying a strong foundation for enduring bilateral friendship.
This is not merely an educational effort but also an attempt to give international friendship a new identity, one that is highly significant for strategic, cultural, and economic relations in today’s global era.
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