Our Bureau
New Delhi
In the last 5 years, 633 Indian students died abroad due to various reasons, with Canada reporting the highest number at 172 cases. Separately, 19 Indian students died abroad due to attacks during this period, with Canada having the most at 9 deaths followed by the US with 6.
The US had 108 student deaths, the UK 58, Australia 57, and Russia 37. Other countries with significant numbers were Ukraine with 18 incidents, Germany 24, Georgia 12, Kyrgyzstan 12, Cyprus 12, and China 8.
The government stated that providing safety and security to Indian students abroad is a top priority. Indian missions regularly contact universities to address issues faced by Indian students
As per the information available with the Ministry, 633 incidents of death of Indian students abroad have been reported in the last five years due to various reasons including natural causes, accidents and medical conditions,” said Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs.
He said, “Providing safety and security to Indian students abroad is one of the top most priorities of the government of India. Indian missions/posts abroad maintain regular contacts with Indian students enrolled in universities abroad.”
Singh added that a total of 48 Indian students have been deported from the US over the last three years and the reasons behind these deportations are Unauthorized employment, unauthorized withdrawal from classes, expulsion and suspension, and failure to report optional practical training employment that led to termination of a student’s visa resulting in unlawful presence and eventual deportation.
Singh mentioned that Indian students studying at foreign universities are invited to take part in Welcome Ceremonies organized by Indian missions overseas. The heads of Indian missions and posts conduct orientation programs to inform these students about potential challenges and threats they might face during their time in the host country, as well as how to address them effectively.
