Indian Students Abroad
The government announced on Thursday that 403 Indian students had passed away overseas since 2018 for a variety of reasons, including illnesses, accidents, and natural causes. Of the 34 countries, Canada accounted for the greatest number of deaths with 91 deaths.
External Affairs Minister presents facts
Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan responded in writing to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, stating that 403 incidences of Indian students dying overseas had been reported since 2018 based on data the ministry has on file.
According to him, senior officials and chiefs of mission/post regularly connect with Indian students and their associations by visiting universities and other educational institutions.
Canada records the highest number of deaths
Canada has reported 91 Indian student deaths since 2018, followed by the UK (48), Russia (40), the US (36), Australia (35), Ukraine (21), Germany (20), Cyprus (14), Italy, and the Philippines (10 each), according to data provided by the ministry.
“The safety and security of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the Government of India,” Muraleedharan said.
According to him, Indian missions and posts are always on guard and keep a careful eye on the welfare of the students.
“In case there is any untoward incident, it is immediately taken up with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that the incident is properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished. Further, the distressed Indian students are provided all possible consular assistance, including emergency medical care and boarding/lodging, whenever required,” Muraleedharan said.
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High number of Indian students traveling to the nation
Spokesman for the External Affairs Ministry Arindam Bagchi highlighted an increase in the number of students of India traveling to that nation when questioned about the high number of deaths of Indian students reported in the reply to questions in the parliament.
“I don’t know if this is an issue that merits taking up with the government. There are individual incidents where there has been foul play and others….Our consulates do reach out to families, we also take it up such cases with the local authorities,” Bagchi told reporters at the weekly briefing.
