On the 1st of October 2026, the sixth chapter of the Youth Club of the International Russophile Movement (IRM) in India was inaugurated at AMET University, Chennai, marking another step in expanding youth engagement and cultural cooperation between India and Russia.

Around 200 young people attended the inaugural programme. A 12-member Executive Committee of the newly formed chapter formally assumed charge during the ceremony.

Mr Valerii Khodzhaev, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Chennai, said that the International Russophile Movement helps people familiarise themselves with Russian culture, history and traditions. He said that young people who understand and appreciate Russian culture would carry forward the centuries-old friendly relations between Russia and India. Such initiatives, he added, would help the younger generations of the two countries develop lasting friendships and greater mutual understanding.

Prof. V. Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor of AMET University, said that the University was happy to associate with the International Russophile Movement. He said the initiative would provide students with new opportunities to learn about Russia and participate in academic, cultural and youth exchange programmes.

Dr Deepa Rajesh, Vice-President, said that relations between countries are shaped not only in ministries and boardrooms, but also in classrooms. She emphasised that when young people learn about each other’s history, culture and society, they create a strong foundation for enduring relations between nations.

Ratheesh Nair, Honorary Consul of Russia in Trivandrum and member of the Executive Bureau of the International Russophile Movement, said that free Russian-language classes, Russian film festivals and other cultural and educational programmes would soon be organised at AMET University. He said that the Youth Club would provide students with opportunities to participate in cultural exchanges, educational initiatives and other programmes aimed at strengthening people-to-people relations between India and Russia.

During the ceremony, Ratheesh Nair, together with Consul General Valerii Khodzhaev, presented badges to the members of the newly constituted 12-member Executive Committee.

AMET University students Gilton Sagyat Blessington and Sarthik Sharma, who participated in the Youth Forum held alongside the 4th Congress of the International Russophile Movement in Moscow, shared their experiences with the gathering. Through a video presentation, they spoke about their participation in the international forum, interactions with young people from different countries and their experiences in Russia.

The inauguration of the Chennai chapter forms part of the International Russophile Movement’s continuing efforts to engage Indian youth and create new avenues for cultural, educational and people-to-people cooperation between India and Russia.