Our Bureau
New Delhi
The United States is a safe country and “cares deeply” for the well-being of Indian students, US ambassador Eric Garcetti said on Friday against the backdrop of the death of nearly half a dozen Indian and Indian-origin students in the US this year. According to the US embassy, the number of Indian students in the US hit an all-time high of 268,923 in the academic year 2022-23.
“We care so deeply for the well-being of Indian students in the US. We want parents to know that their children are our children when they are in the US. And there is a wealth of resources that can help students prepare…in the US, whether it is mental health…and resources for being far away for home, parents and families,” he said to PTI.
The US envoy made the remarks focusing on the welfare of Indian students and the visa process during separate interviews with PTI and ANI. Garcetti assured the parents of students that “their children are our children” when they are in the US.
While asserting that the US is a “safe country”, Garcetti said students studying abroad should familiarize themselves with local conditions, have a network of trusted friends, and know what to do in a dangerous situation or in the event of mental health issues.
A pre-departure orientation program was held at the American Center in New Delhi for a batch of students who have been admitted to different US universities. Garcetti briefly interacted with the students and asked them to make the best use of their time in the US.
