RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-546
ANSWERED ON- 07/12/2023
SAFETY OF INDIAN STUDENTS ABROAD
546. SMT. MAUSAM NOOR
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the country-wise distribution of Indian students studying in higher education institutes who have died abroad from 2018 onwards;
(b) the reasons for the same;
(c) whether Government has implemented any measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian students studying abroad;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)
(a & b) As per the information available with the Ministry, 403 incidents of death of Indian students abroad have been reported since 2018 due to various reasons including natural causes, accidents and medical conditions. Country- wise details of death of Indian students abroad is placed at Annexure- ‘A’.
(c to e) The safety and security of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the Government of India. Heads of Mission/Post and senior officials visit Universities and educational institutions for regular interactions with Indian students and student associations. Our Missions and Posts remain vigilant and closely monitor the well being of 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.