Over 90 Indian Students Faced Violence Abroad In last five years; 30 Lost Lives: MEA

New Delhi: The Indian government is seriously concerned about the increasing number of violent attacks against Indian students pursuing education overseas, as per data placed before the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Union Minister of State For External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, while responding to a question from MP Shri Tanuj Punia, revealed that 91 violent attacks against Indian students have been recorded across 12 countries in the past five years, resulting in 30 deaths.

Canada has recorded the highest number of violent attacks, with 16 deaths in 27 incidents. The United Kingdom reported 12 violent attacks on Indian students, resulting in one death, while Germany saw 11 such incidents with one fatality.

The United States recorded nine violent attacks, all of which were fatal—raising concerns about the high death rate in such cases involving Indian students.

Violent attacks and fatalities by country:

- Canada: 27 attacks, 16 deaths

- USA: 9 attacks, 9 deaths

- UK: 12 attacks, 1 death

- Australia: 4 attacks, 1 death

- Germany: 11 attacks, 1 death

- China: 1 attack, 1 death

- Kyrgyzstan: 1 attack, 1 death

- Philippines: 3 attack, 0 death

- Iran: 1 attack, 0 death

- Ireland: 4 attack, 0 death

- Russia: 15 attack, 0 death

- Italy: 3 attack, 0 death

"Safety and security of Indian students abroad is one of the topmost priorities of the Government of India," Singh said in his written reply. He reaffirmed that Indian diplomatic missions closely monitor incidents involving Indian students and immediately approach host country authorities the moment such unfortunate events occur.

The government ensured that student safety issues were brought up during diplomatic interactions, including at the highest level when necessary. The different platforms through which the students can reach out to the missions are 24/7 emergency helplines, walk-in services, emails, social media, and the MADAD Portal.

Moreover, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has also been set up to support overseas Indian nationals, like distressed students. The assistance comes in the form of legal services, counselling, and repatriation of mortal remains if the need arises.

Singh encouraged Indian students who go abroad for education to get themselves registered with the concerned Indian missions through the MADAD Portal so that they can get timely help for grievances and remain in touch with the diplomatic offices regularly for further assistance whenever required.