Concerning Data Revealed: 633 Indian Students Died Abroad in the Last Five Years
New Delhi: In a disheartening revelation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that at least 633 Indian students have died in 41 countries over the past five years. The data was shared by Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, in response to a query by Kerala MP Kodikunnil Suresh during the Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha.
High Mortality in Canada
The MEA's written response indicated that Canada accounted for the highest number of student deaths, with 172 fatalities. This was followed by the United States with 108 deaths, the United Kingdom with 58, Australia with 57, Russia with 37, and Germany with 24. There was also one reported death of an Indian student in Pakistan.
Causes of Death
The causes of death varied, including natural causes, accidents, medical emergencies, and violent attacks. Notably, 19 students lost their lives due to violent incidents, with the majority (9) occurring in Canada, followed by the US (6), and one each in Australia, the UK, China, and Kyrgyzstan.
Response to Violence
Minister Muraleedharan emphasized that Indian missions and posts abroad promptly address any untoward incidents involving Indian students. They ensure thorough investigations and seek justice for the victims. In emergencies, these missions provide essential support, such as food, shelter, medical assistance, and facilitate the safe return of students to India when necessary.
Current Indian Student Population Abroad
As of 2024, there are 1.33 million Indian students pursuing higher education in various countries. This marks a significant increase from 0.75 million in 2022 and 0.93 million in 2023. The MEA's data revealed that the largest number of Indian students, approximately 427,000, are studying in Canada, followed by 337,000 in the US and 185,000 in the UK. Despite the ongoing conflict, 2,510 Indian students continue their education in war-torn Ukraine.
The alarming statistics highlight the risks faced by Indian students abroad, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures and support systems. The MEA's proactive approach in addressing these issues and providing necessary aid is crucial in ensuring the well-being of Indian students pursuing their dreams overseas.
