Many Indian parents send their kids abroad for better education and future opportunities but dreams often take a tragic turn with unexpected deaths.?Whether due to hate crimes or natural causes, these incidents cast a dark shadow on the aspirations of young minds seeking a brighter future overseas.
Since 2018, a total of 403 Indian students have lost their lives abroad due to various reasons, including natural causes and accidents, according to information shared in Parliament.
The data, presented by Union Minister V Muraleedharan in the Rajya Sabha, reveals that Canada witnessed the highest number of student deaths among the 34 nations considered.
The data provided by the ministry reveals that Canada has recorded the highest number of deaths among Indian students since 2018, with 91 reported cases.
Following Canada, the United Kingdom reported 48 deaths, Russia 40, the United States 36, Australia 35, Ukraine 21, Germany 20, Cyprus 14, and both Italy and the Philippines reported ten deaths each.
In response to these statistics, the Union Minister emphasized the government's dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad. He assured that the authorities are committed to addressing individual cases and taking preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.?
Additionally, he highlighted the proactive approach of heads of mission and senior officials who regularly visit colleges and universities to engage with Indian students studying abroad.
"The safety and security of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the Government of India,"?he said.
"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,?he added.
The distressed students are provided with extensive consular assistance, which encompasses emergency medical care, accommodation, and boarding, as required, the minister noted.
Regarding the notable increase in the number of deaths among Indian students, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, explained that the high figure correlates with the substantial rise in the number of students opting to pursue education abroad.
"I don't know if this issue merits taking up with the government. There are individual incidents where there has been foul play and others... Our consulates reach out to families; we also take up such cases with the local authorities," Mr. Bagchi told reporters at the weekly briefing.
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