Remarks by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal during Meeting with Rectors of Kazakh Medical Universities

(Astana, 10 April 2026)

Distinguished Rectors, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar and warm greetings to one and all. Welcome to the Embassy of India, Astana. Let me begin by sincerely thanking all the Rectors and representatives who have taken the time to travel to Astana from various cities to be here today. Your presence here reflects your strong commitment to the welfare of the students as well as reputation of your esteemed university and to strengthening our shared educational partnership.

The idea behind convening this meeting is simple yet significant— come together in a spirit of partnership to exchange views, share best practices and better align our approaches in all universities. This platform offers a valuable opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, reflect on existing systems, and collectively identify ways to further enhance transparency & trust, academic standards and student welfare. It also helps strengthen coordination among all stakeholders to foster closer cooperation between universities, the students, and the Embassy — so that we can work in a coordinated and constructive manner.

Our shared objective is clear, that is, to ensure the best possible outcomes for both students and institutions — creating an environment where students can pursue their studies without difficulty, while universities continue to enhance their reputation as trusted destinations for Indian medical students.

Distinguished Rectors,

I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the continued support extended by your esteemed universities in hosting large Indian students. They are an important bridge between our two countries and helps strengthening our people-to-people ties.

While students are expected to respect the laws, rules, and regulations of the host country and maintain discipline at all times, it is equally important that institutions uphold consistent adherence to established academic and administrative standards.

In this regard, allow me to highlight a few key areas:

First, transparency in academic processes is essential. Clear and timely communication regarding fee structure and terms of payments, curriculum, examinations, evaluation systems, and intern-ship requirements will go a way in building trust and confidence among students.

Second, maintaining high-quality teaching standards must remain a shared priority. Regular classes, adequate faculty engagement, and proper clinical exposure are crucial for the professional development of medical students.

Third, safe and adequate accommodation is of utmost importance. Students must feel secure, respected, and supported in their living environment, with proper facilities and responsive management systems in place. There have been instances where law enforcement authorities have taken actions, including late-night raids in student residences, which have caused considerable distress among students, particularly when undertaken without prior information or awareness of university authorities. Such situations can create anxiety and a sense of insecurity, adversely affecting the mental well-being of students and, in turn, their academic performance. It is therefore essential that universities remain closely engaged, ensure appropriate coordination with local authorities, and put in place mechanisms to prevent such occurrences, so that students can pursue their education in a safe, stable, and reassuring environment.

Fourth, the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for student safety and academic continuity is highly desirable. These should cover emergency situations, grievance redressal mechanisms, and coordination with local authorities when required.

Fifth, I would strongly encourage each university to designate a dedicated nodal officer for Indian students, in addition to the Dean and Rector, to ensure prompt, coordinated, and effective resolution of student concerns. This will provide students with a clear and accessible point of contact, so that they are not required to move from office to office in times of need, to receive timely guidance and support in a structured and compassionate manner.

Sixth, structured orientation programmes at the beginning of each academic session are particularly important for international students. These should cover academic expectations, local laws, cultural practices, safety guidelines, and available support systems.

Seventh, facilitating visa, registration, and immigration-related processes in coordination with relevant authorities can significantly ease the initial challenges faced by students and ensure continuity in their academic journey. At present, the practice of issuing annual visas, particularly for long-duration medical programs, combined with repeated yearly biometric requirements, creates uncertainty and considerable financiale burden and avoidable hardship for students.

Given that the medical course spans six years, a more streamlined and stable visa regime would greatly benefit students, many of whom come from diverse and economically modest backgrounds across India. These recurring procedures often disrupt academic focus and add unnecessary stress to their educational experience. I would therefore request all universities to collectively coordinate and work with the relevant authorities to address and resolve this issue in a constructive manner. A more efficient and student-friendly system will serve the interests of both universities and students, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a preferred destination for Indian medical education.

Eight, the Embassy is actively working with Financial and insurance companies to develop a group insurance package that is both affordable and comprehensive, specifically designed for Indian students. The proposed coverage would include essential medical care, hospitalization expenses, emergency support, and, where required, medical evacuation to India. In this context, I would like to request the Rectors to consider the group insurance package be made mandatory for all Indian students. If implemented collectively through universities, it would ensure uniform coverage, eliminate gaps in individual insurance uptake, and provide a reliable safety net for all students. Such a structured mechanism would significantly reduce financial and administrative stress during medical emergencies, offering peace of mind not only to students, but also to universities and parents back in India. It would ensure quicker response during critical situations, improve coordination with healthcare providers, and reduce ambiguity regarding medical expenses and evacuation procedures.

Additionally, to ensure unhindered studies, it is important to:

• Avoid sudden changes in academic schedules or policies
• Ensure timely conduct of examinations and declaration of results
• Provide uninterrupted access to classrooms, libraries, and clinical training
• Maintain effective communication channels between students and administration
• Address grievances in a timely and fair manner

Finally, the Embassy would like to kindly request universities to establish structured welfare, sports, and recreational activities, along with the celebration of important festivals of both Kazakhstan and students’ home countries. Such initiatives would play a vital role in keeping students meaningfully engaged beyond their academic hours, thereby promoting a healthy, inclusive, and supportive campus environment. These would also help foster cultural understanding, strengthen peer bonding, and reduce stress among students. Universities may consider developing innovative mechanisms and institutionalize these activities in a sustainable manner, ensuring regular participation and long-term impact on student well-being.

Distinguished Rectors,

Our effort is to create a true win-win framework — where students receive quality education in a safe and supportive environment, and universities continue to strengthen their global standing and credibility.

With mutual trust, transparency, and cooperation, I am confident that we can further deepen this partnership for the benefit of all stakeholders.

I look forward to your continued support and collaboration. There may be institution-specific issues that could be addressed through bilateral discussions with each university, as appropriate. The floor is open for rectors and representative of universities to raise any issues and suggestions . Thank you.