Disturbing news has come to the fore about Indian students studying abroad. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, in the past five years, at least 633 Indian students have died in 41 countries. Canada tops the list, with 172 deaths. Nineteen of them died due to attacks; the rest from natural causes, accidents, and medical emergencies. It was told to the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to a question by Kerala MP Kodikunnil Suresh during the Monsoon Session.
He said Canada accounted for the highest number of deaths of Indian students with 172, followed by 108 in the United States. The United Kingdom reported 58 deaths of students, Australia 57, Russia 37, and Germany 24. There was also one reported death of a student from neighboring Pakistan. To another question about violent attacks on Indian students abroad, the Central Minister said that according to the latest reports from Indian missions/posts, there is no increase in such incidents.
Student Safety Measures
The Central Minister also disclosed that 19 tutees lost their lives in acts of violence in other countries. Of these, the highest was reported by Canada with 9 student deaths, while 6 students died in the US and one each in Australia, Britain, China and Kyrgyzstan. Any unfortunate incidents involving Indian students abroad are promptly taken up by the Ministry of External Affairs through contacting with the concerned authorities to ensure that investigations into such incidents are properly carried out and necessary accountability is brought in. In times of emergencies or crises, Indian missions/posts in foreign countries help stranded Indian students by providing them with necessities such as food, lodging, medications, etc., and help them to return safely to India or to leave the affected region.
MADAD portal
Recently, Indian scholars stranded across the globe were brought back to India under initiatives such as Vande Bharat Mission, Operation Ganga of Ukraine, and Operation Ajay of Israel. Our High Commission also facilitated the return of many Indian students from Bangladesh. The MEA articulated support for Indian students going for higher education abroad; it encourages registration and facilitates connectivity through the MADAD portal.
Indian Students Abroad: 2024 Statistics
In 2024, the number of Indians studying in foreign higher education institutions is 1.33 million. The data provided to the Lok Sabha by the MEA show a significant increase in the number of Indian students abroad. It increased from an estimated 0.75 million in 2022 to 0.93 million in 2023 and then finally reached the number of 1.33 million in 2024. The MEA said that as of January 1 this year, there were 1.335 million Indian students pursuing higher education across 101 countries. Canada accounted for the maximum 427,000, followed by 337,000 in the United States and 185,000 in Britain. It said a total of 2,510 Indian students are presently studying in Ukraine despite the ongoing conflict.
