Centre has released data stating that a total 403 Bharatiya students living outside the country have died since 2018 due to various reasons including natural causes, accidents and medical conditions, with Canada accounting for the highest 91 fatalities among 34 nations. The information was provided by Minster of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.
Heads of mission/post and senior officials visit universities and educational institutions for regular interactions with Indian students and their associations.
According to data submitted by the ministry, Canada has reported 91 deaths of Indian students since 2018 followed by the United Kingdom (48), Russia (40), the United States (36), Australia (35), Ukraine (21), Germany (20), Cyprus (14), Italy and the Philippines (10 each).
“The safety and security of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the Government of India,” Muraleedharan said. It was added that vigilance was being observed in by Indian missions and the well-being of students is being maintained.
“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.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi referred the high number of death to the high number of students visiting those countries as well. “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.
Comments