Russians in India
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Goa · Karnataka · Maharashtra · Tamil Nadu | |
| Languages | |
| Russian · English · Konkani · Tamil · Marathi · Other Indian languages | |
| Religion | |
|
Russian Orthodox Church Roman Catholicism · Hinduism |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Russian people |
There is a small but recognisable Russian community in India which comprises Indian citizens of Russian heritage as well with Russian expatriates and migrants residing in India. Most of them reside in the state of Goa.
In general Indians are fond of Russia and Russians due to the historical strong friendly relationship of India with USSR.
The state of Goa has become a home away from home to many Russians, in the last few years. Many restless young Russians who are unhappy with city life would head to Goa in search of inner peace. The Russian exodus to Goa has become a trend, and many are moving there for good. Cheap daily charter flights are now carrying thousands of Russians to the former Portuguese colony famous for its beaches and laid-back mood. Many Russians have set up businesses in Goa. But many Russians are now leaving Goa due to increased crime rates and assaults by locals. Many beach side restaurants post their signboards in English and Russian to attract Russian-speaking customers.
The village of Morjim is dubbed "Little Russia" by locals because of the high number of Russians living there. Congress Party MP Shantaram Naik has condemned the Russian presence, objecting running businesses in violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act.
With the Russian economy opening up, more and more Russians are traveling to India, with Goa as their favourite haunt. An estimated 3,500 Russians would descend on Goa's shores every ten days in the tourism season.
Many Russian space scientists and experts work in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bangalore assisting in the development the rover for Chandrayaan-2 and also in the Indian manned mission.
Many Russian space scientists and experts work in the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. There is a Russian Consulate in Thiruvananthapuram city.
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Wikipedia