Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Northern State Medical University (NSMU) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two institutions.
The agreement was formalised in the presence of BHU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi and senior representatives from both sides. BHU Registrar Prof. Arun Kumar Singh signed on behalf of the university, while Bylova N. A., Acting Rector, represented NSMU as the official signatory from the Russian side.
The MoU lays the groundwork for academic mobility through structured exchange programmes, collaborative research initiatives, and joint academic activities involving students, researchers, faculty, and technical staff. The two institutions have committed to jointly advancing scientific progress and building specialised human resources across medical and health sciences.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chaturvedi said the agreement opens new avenues of mutual collaboration, allowing both universities to leverage each other’s expertise, academic strengths, and institutional experiences. He also emphasised the need to explore internship opportunities for students from both institutions, enabling them to gain practical exposure and a broader international perspective in the field of medicine and healthcare.
Natalia Anikina, Dean of NSMU Russia, highlighted that the partnership would create new pathways for growth and excellence for students and staff on both sides. She noted that Northern State Medical University is already home to nearly 1,500 Indian students and offers advanced medical education and research infrastructure, making this collaboration a natural and mutually beneficial progression.
