At least 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various reasons including natural causes and accidents, the government said in the Parliament. Out of the 34 nations, the most deaths occurred in Canada. The data was presented in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, who said that 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018.
According to data submitted by the ministry, Canada has reported 91 deaths since 2018 followed by the United Kingdom (48), Russia (40), the United States (36), Australia (35), Ukraine (21), Germany (20), Cyprus (14), Italy and the Philippines (10 each).
He also emphasised the Centre's commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad, pledging to address individual cases and work toward preventing any untoward incidents in the future. He said that heads of mission and senior officials regularly visit colleges and universities to interact with Indian students studying there.
"The safety and security of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the Government of India," he said. "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, he added.
The distressed students are also offered comprehensive consular assistance, including emergency medical care, boarding, and lodging when needed, he said.