Despite bilateral trade reaching USD $136.2 billion last year, diplomatic tensions between India and China persist, impacting various sectors, including student travel and medical education.
A key issue is the ongoing suspension of direct passenger flights between the two countries, a halt that began four years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in place amidst unresolved border disputes. This has caused significant inconvenience and financial burden for Indian students studying or planning to study in China.
Sania Yadav, a medical student in Ningbo, described the costly and time-consuming journey she endured, highlighting the challenges faced by many students. The absence of direct flights has also fueled concerns about long-haul travel and potential disruptions.
While Chinese officials are actively advocating for the resumption of flights, the situation remains unresolved. The lack of direct travel options is just one factor contributing to a decline in Indian students choosing China for their education.
Another significant factor is India's Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) regulations, introduced in 2021. These regulations mandate registration with India's medical regulatory body for all medical graduates, including Indian nationals who studied abroad. This has led many students to reconsider studying in China due to its stringent licensing requirements for international medical graduates.
Rachita Kumar, a fifth-year medical student in China, explained the multiple hurdles students face, including language proficiency exams and additional licensing tests. While students enrolled before November 18, 2021, are exempt from these changes, those who enrolled later are now seeking alternative destinations.
The FMGL regulations have sparked criticism and protests from students who are pursuing medical education abroad due to the high costs of private medical education in India and the existing quota system. While the mandatory internship period for FMGs has been reduced from two to three years to one year, students who attended online classes abroad still face additional requirements.
These factors, combined with the appeal of alternative destinations like the Philippines and Central Asian nations, are driving significant changes in India's medical education landscape.
