Speech by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal at Astana Medical University 
(Astana, 01 April 2026)

Distinguished Rector, respected faculty members, dear students—especially my young friends from India,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As Salaam AlayKum, Namaskar and Salemetsiz be!

It is a great pleasure to be here at Astana Medical University, an institution that represents not only academic excellence but also the growing bridge of knowledge and friendship between India and Kazakhstan. At the outset, let me express my appreciation to the University for hosting a vibrant community of Indian students who have chosen Kazakhstan as their destination for medical education. This itself is a strong reflection of the deepening people-to-people ties between our two countries.

India–Kazakhstan Partnership: India and Kazakhstan share a warm, multifaceted relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations. While our cooperation spans sectors such as energy, defense, healthcare, and trade, it is education and youth engagement that truly anchor the future of this partnership.

Message to Indian Students: My dear students—you are not just learners but ambassadors of India-Kazakhstan friendship. Every interaction you have, every cultural exchange you participate in, every friendship you build contributes to strengthening bilateral relations in ways that no formal agreement alone can achieve.

Therefore, studying abroad is both a privilege and a responsibility. You carry with you not only your personal aspirations & hopes of your family but also the image of India. Kazakhstan is a remarkably friendly country, blessed with warm-hearted people who are widely known for their generosity and deep-rooted traditions of hospitality. Visitors and students alike often experience a genuine sense of welcome and kindness. At the same time, it is important to remember that Kazakhstan has its own distinct culture, social norms, and way of life, which may be different from India. As guests in this beautiful country, it is essential to respect local customs, traditions, and laws, and to adapt with sensitivity and openness. Doing so will not only enrich your personal experience but also ensure that your stay here is harmonious, successful, and conducive to your academic pursuits.

Having said these, let me now share a few important dos and don't for you: Dos:

• Focus on academic excellence – Your primary purpose here is to become competent, compassionate medical professionals. You carry not only carry your aspirations but hope of your parents.
• Respect local laws, culture, and traditions – Kazakhstan is known for its warmth and hospitality; reciprocate that respect. Learn local language and practice in this country.
• Engage positively with local students and communities – build friendships that last beyond your years here. You are spending most beautiful time of your life here in beautiful Astana.
• Stay disciplined and responsible – your conduct reflects on your family background & country. Do not do anything that will attract rage from the authorities. Do not travel out without proper permission. We have lots of unfortunate incidents which involved loss of life.
• Stay connected with the Embassy – as well as with friends & especially in times of need.

Don't:

• Do not engage in any activities that violate local laws or university regulations. There have been incidents of raids in students accommodations and detentions on suspicious grounds.

• Avoid forming isolated groups; instead, integrate and build mutual understanding make healthy friends. But do not gang up to break rules or illegally demonstrate or harm one another. 2 students in jail for 6 years. What will you do after this?
• Do not neglect your studies or fall into distractions that may affect your future. If you start neglecting your studies that is the beginning of all evils.
• Avoid misinformation—always rely on official channels for guidance on visa, academics, or regulations. There are hordes of info floating around– do not involve in scaremongering without confirmation but disseminate facts and confirmed news.
• Do not allow any guest or friends to stay in your apartments without University's permission it can lead you further problems.

Remember, your success here will inspire many more students to follow your path but importantly you will go out with the trophy of victory from this Institute.

Message to University Authorities: The presence of international students, particularly from India, is a matter of pride and responsibility. Their well-being directly impacts the reputation of the institution and the broader bilateral relationship. I would also like to take this opportunity to respectfully highlight a few important aspects for the University authorities to note, so that this engagement remains truly mutually beneficial for both the students and the institution. While students are expected to uphold discipline and respect the rules of the University and the country, it is equally important that the university also consistently adhere to established standards and commitments. This includes ensuring transparency in academic processes, maintaining quality teaching, providing safe and comfortable living conditions, addressing student concerns promptly and fairly, and facilitating visa and administrative matters efficiently. A balanced and responsible approach on both sides will foster trust, enhance the University’s reputation, and create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Embassy of India look forward to University’s continued support in ensuring the following:

• Safety and security of all students, with robust systems to address any concerns promptly & fairly. It is important to have one nodal officer to deal so that students need not run from pillar to post in times of needs.
• Provision of Comfortable and hygienic accommodation, conducive to academic focus and well-being. In this regard I would like to appeal to university to make compulsory for all first and second years students to stay in university hostel or arrange apartment under their observations.
• Transparent and efficient academic processes, including timely conduct of classes, exams, and results as well as fee structure and payment terms of fees. Heard complaints of charging extra fee for exams or others, which should be avoided.
• Dedicated support mechanisms for international students, especially in learning local language assistance where needed. This is another critical area for all international students.
• Smooth facilitation of visa and migration-related issues, in coordination with relevant authorities. I have been taking up this issue with all authorities including Minister of Education. Student visa should be valid for the entire course and not only for one year. Plus harvesting biometric every is just a torture to students both financially and physically. Kazakhstan Embassy in Delhi has limited resources to handle huge biometric of students.
• All Rectors of University should come together and take up this issue with the Ministry to resolve this important hurdles for Indian students.
• Raid and detention of students without the knowledge of institute totally unacceptable in a civilized world country like Kazakhstan.

A supportive academic environment will not only enhance student outcomes but also strengthen Astana Medical University’s standing as a preferred destination for international education.

One important issue that Embassy, Students and university needs to worker together is the insurrence of the students. The Embassy is working closely with a leading Kazakh bank to develop a group insurance package that is both affordable and comprehensive for students. This initiative aims to ensure access to quality medical care in case of serious health issues, while also covering the cost of medical evacuation or transfer to India when necessary. Such mechanism will provide students and their families with much-needed reassurance and financial protection during their stay in Kazakhstan. Cooperation from Institute and students would be required to implement this project successfully.

Conclusion:

My dear friends, India stands committed to further strengthening its partnership with Kazakhstan—not just at the governmental level, but also through education, youth engagement, and human connections.

To the students: strive for excellence, uphold values, and make your families and countries proud.
To the University: continue to nurture these young minds with care, responsibility, and vision.

Together, let us build a partnership that is not only strong but also enduring rooted in trust, learning, and shared progress.

Thank you.

Rakhmet! Dhanyavaad!

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