In an effort to support Indian students abroad, Indian Missions and Posts maintain regular contact with students enrolled in foreign universities
In a sobering revelation, the Ministry of External Affairs reported to Parliament that 633 Indian students have died in 41 countries over the past five years. The data, presented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to a query from Kerala MP Kodikunnil Suresh, highlighted Canada as the country with the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 172 deaths. This was followed by 108 deaths in the United States, 58 in the United Kingdom, 57 in Australia, 37 in Russia, and 24 in Germany.
The report also noted that 19 of these deaths were due to violent attacks. Canada again topped this grim list with nine deaths, followed by the United States with six. Australia, China, the UK, and Kyrgyzstan each reported one violent death among Indian students.
Summary of Key Statistics:
- Indian Student Deaths (Past 5 Years):
o Canada: 172
o USA: 108
o UK: 58
o Australia: 57
o Russia: 37
o Germany: 24
o Total across 41 countries: 633
- Deaths Due to Violent Attacks:
o Total: 19
o Canada: 9
o USA: 6
- Indian Students Studying Abroad (as of January 1, 2024):
o Total: 1.33 million across 101 countries
o Canada: 427,000
o USA: 337,630
o UK: 185,000
o Australia: 122,200
As of January 1, 2024, approximately 1.335 million Indian students were pursuing higher education across 101 countries. Canada hosts the largest number of these students at 427,000, followed by the US with 337,000, the UK with 185,000, Australia with 122,000, Germany with 42,997, the UAE with 25,000, and Russia with 24,940.
In an effort to support Indian students abroad, Indian Missions and Posts maintain regular contact with students enrolled in foreign universities. Singh explained that Indian students are invited to participate in welcome ceremonies organized by Indian Missions abroad. Additionally, Heads of Indian Missions and other senior embassy officials visit foreign universities and educational institutions to interact with Indian students and their associations regularly. These initiatives aim to brief students on the potential challenges and threats they may face during their stay and to advise them on precautionary measures.
This comprehensive approach seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian students as they pursue their academic endeavors abroad.
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