403 Indian Students Abroad Reported Dead Since 2018, Majority In Canada: Government

Since 2018, a total of 403 incidents of death of Indian students abroad have been reported due to various reasons, including natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions.

Canada tops the list with 91 cases, followed by 48 in the UK, as informed by the government to Lok Sabha on Friday.

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403 Indian Students Abroad Dead Since 2018: Report

The prioritization of the welfare of Indian students abroad by the government is emphasized by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He informed that, based on available ministry information, there have been 403 reported incidents of Indian student deaths abroad since 2018, attributed to various factors such as natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions.

Responding to queries regarding the safety of Indian students abroad, Jaishankar stated that Indian missions and posts overseas address issues faced by Indian students on a priority basis. Additionally, Jaishankar provided country-specific details of Indian student deaths abroad since 2018.

The statistics reveal that 91 Indian students lost their lives in Canada, 48 in the UK, 40 in Russia, 36 in the US, 35 in Australia, 21 in Ukraine, and 20 in Germany. According to the data, 14 Indian students met their demise in Cyprus, with 10 each in the Philippines and Italy, and nine each in Qatar, China, and Kyrgyzstan.

In response to a separate question, India's long-standing and consistent policy towards Palestine was highlighted by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan. It was stated that a negotiated two-state solution has been supported, aiming for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, coexisting peacefully with Israel.

The October 7 terror attacks on Israel and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict were strongly condemned by India. The emphasis was placed on restraint, de-escalation, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

In response to a separate question, it was stated by Minister of State for External Affairs RajKumar Ranjan Singh that India's 'Neighbourhood First policy' continues to guide its approach towards managing relations with countries in its immediate neighbourhood.

The policy, an institutional priority for all relevant arms of the government, has led to enhanced physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity across the region, along with augmenting trade and commerce. The government maintains constant vigilance on all developments affecting India's national security interests and takes necessary measures to safeguard them.