From Patna to Kursk: The Remarkable Journey of Russia’s First Indian-Origin Legislator

Abhay Kumar Singh, a Patna-born doctor-turned-politician, is Russia’s first Indian-origin legislator, elected twice in Kursk. His journey from Soviet-era struggles to public office mirrors evolving India–Russia ties. Admired locally, he blends Indian roots with Russian political life, advocating strong governance while maintaining grassroots outreach and symbolizing a personal bridge between the two nations.

As global attention turns to New Delhi for President Vladimir Putin’s high-profile visit, a different story of India–Russia ties is unfolding far from the diplomatic spotlight. In the western Russian region of Kursk, Abhay Kumar Singh — the first Indian-origin lawmaker in the Russian Federation — is quietly shaping his own chapter in this evolving relationship.

Singh is not a diplomat or Kremlin representative. Instead, he is a Patna-born doctor-turned-politician who now serves as a deputat in the Kursk regional assembly, a role equivalent to that of a state legislator. As Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in India, Singh has spoken openly about the global significance placed on the rapport between the two leaders, noting that the world is watching the partnership with keen interest.

Kursk, a city etched into history as the site of World War II’s largest tank battle, created a milestone of its own by electing Singh in both 2017 and 2022. Now a member of the ruling United Russia party, he stands as an emblem of what some might call Russia’s version of the “American dream” — a testament to the possibilities available to those willing to persevere.

Singh’s journey began in 1991 when he moved from Patna to the Soviet Union to study medicine. His introduction to the country was challenging: extreme cold, a daunting language barrier, and the uncertainty of a nation on the brink of dissolution. He recalls wanting to leave, until a supportive faculty member encouraged him to endure the difficult adjustment period. That month changed everything, turning a foreign land into a second home.

Through the harsh winters, food shortages, and sweeping changes of the 1990s, Singh witnessed firsthand the historic transformations that reshaped Russia. He recalls the era of rationing and long queues, contrasting it with the stability he associates with the Putin era, which he believes restored Russia’s standing on the world stage.

As one of the few non-white lawmakers in regional politics, Singh draws both curiosity and admiration from residents. Many stop him in public for photos once they spot his identification badge. His political views reflect a strong belief in Russia’s existing governance model, which he argues suits the country’s vast geography and complex history better than Western-style democratic frameworks.

Singh often jokes that politics is part of his heritage as a Bihari, even if the Russian political environment functions very differently. Public representatives maintain more distance and formality than in India, but Singh has introduced a familiar practice: a monthly janta darbar where he meets citizens and works to address their concerns.

Despite having spent decades in Russia and holding a Russian passport, Singh remains deeply connected to his Indian identity. He keeps Indian cuisine at the center of his daily life—avoiding only beef—and carries with him the sentiment of the classic Raj Kapoor lyric: though his surroundings may be foreign, his heart remains Indian.

From braving Soviet winters to earning the trust of voters in Kursk, Abhay Kumar Singh’s life bridges two nations at a time when the world is closely observing their diplomatic ties. His story reflects the human dimension of India–Russia relations—one shaped not just by leaders and meetings, but by individuals who embody the connection between the two countries.