Key Takeaways:
- 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018, highlighting the importance of understanding the risks of studying abroad.
- Canada had the highest number of student deaths with 91 cases, followed by the UK (48) and Russia (40).
- Indian government assures vigilance and necessary assistance through Indian missions abroad for the welfare of Indian students.
Understanding the Risks: Indian Students Deaths Abroad
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of Indian students pursuing their studies abroad, seeking to broaden their horizons and gain international exposure. With this rise, however, has come a concerning statistic: 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various reasons. This data brings to light the importance of understanding the risks associated with studying abroad and underscores the need to examine the welfare of Indian students in foreign countries more closely.
Statistics of Unfortunate Incidences
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, emphasizing the commitment of the Indian government, stated, “The welfare of Indian students abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the government.” It is a sobering reality that between 2018 and the present, reports have confirmed the death of 403 Indian students in countries across the globe, with the figures highlighting some of the risks they may face.
Here is the breakdown as provided by the government:
– Canada: 91 cases
– United Kingdom (UK): 48 cases
– Russia: 40 cases
– United States (US): 36 cases
– Australia: 35 cases
– Ukraine: 21 cases
– Germany: 20 cases
Other nations such as Cyprus, Philippines, Italy, Qatar, China, and Kyrgyzstan have also reported deaths among Indian students, with each of these countries accounting for up to 14 cases each. These occurrences owed to various reasons including natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions.
Government’s Response to Student Safety
In light of questions raised regarding the safety measures for Indian students in foreign countries, Minister S Jaishankar assured that Indian missions and posts abroad are vigilant and responsive to any issues faced by Indian students. “Indian missions/posts abroad respond to any issues faced by Indian students on priority basis,” he mentioned, assuring quick response and necessary assistance.
Broader Indian Foreign Policy Concerns
Besides the welfare of Indian students abroad, the Indian government has also been actively engaged in addressing broader foreign policy issues. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been articulate about India’s stance on international matters, including the Israel-Palestine conflict and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First policy’.
Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan reaffirmed India’s support for a peaceful resolution in the Middle East, stating, “We have supported a negotiated two State solution, towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel.”
Regarding the recent conflicts, he added, “We have strongly condemned the October 7 terror attacks on Israel and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasized peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Furthermore, Minister RajKumar Ranjan Singh highlighted the essence of the ‘Neighbourhood First policy’, which guides India’s approach to maintaining and managing relations with its immediate neighbors. This policy, a focus of institutional priority across government sectors, aims at bolstering connectivity, trade, and commerce with surrounding nations.
To encapsulate the government’s approach, Minister Singh articulated, “The government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s national security interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.”
Recommendations and Resources for Student Safety
It is crucial for Indian students and their families to be aware of the resources available to them for a safe study environment abroad. Below are several recommendations and resources which can help in ensuring the well-being of Indian students in foreign countries:
- Familiarize with local laws and safety norms.
- Stay connected with the Indian embassy or consulate and register for their services upon arrival.
- Purchase comprehensive health and travel insurance.
- Develop a local support network, including fellow students, community groups, and advisers.
The official MEA website provides comprehensive resources and guides for Indian citizens abroad, including students. Moreover, the ‘Madad’ portal (madad.gov.in) serves as a platform for grievance redressal related to consular services offered by Indian missions abroad.
Conclusion
The deaths of 403 Indian students abroad have shone a spotlight on the necessity for better safety measures and the proactive role of governmental bodies in ensuring the welfare of their citizens abroad. As Indian students continue to venture overseas to enrich their educational experiences, the concerted efforts of the government, together with the awareness and preparedness of the students themselves, will play a decisive role in safeguarding their future.
Learn Today:
Glossary:
- Indian students abroad: Refers to students from India who are studying in foreign countries for educational purposes.
Risks: Refers to potential dangers or hazards that Indian students may encounter while studying abroad.
Welfare: Refers to the well-being, safety, and overall quality of life of Indian students abroad.
Unfortunate incidences: Refers to unfortunate events or incidents that have resulted in the deaths of Indian students abroad.
External Affairs Minister: A government official responsible for overseeing and managing the country’s foreign affairs and relations with other countries.
Commitment: Refers to the dedication and promise made by the Indian government to ensure the well-being and safety of Indian students abroad.
Figures: Statistical data or numbers that provide information about the number of Indian student deaths in different countries.
Natural causes: Refers to deaths resulting from naturally occurring events or health conditions, such as illnesses or diseases.
Accidents: Refers to unexpected and unintended incidents that cause harm or injury, such as car accidents or falls.
Medical conditions: Refers to health-related issues or illnesses that may have contributed to the deaths of Indian students abroad.
Indian missions/posts: Refers to the diplomatic offices or embassies established by the Indian government in foreign countries to provide various services, including assistance to Indian citizens studying abroad.
Vigilant: Describes the state of being watchful, alert, and attentive to potential issues or problems.
Responsive: Refers to the ability of Indian missions/posts abroad to quickly and effectively address the concerns and issues faced by Indian students.
Foreign policy: Refers to a government’s strategy and decisions regarding its relations with other countries.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The government ministry responsible for handling and managing India’s foreign affairs and external relations.
Israel-Palestine conflict: Refers to the ongoing political and territorial dispute between Israel and Palestine, primarily concerning the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Neighbourhood First policy: Refers to India’s approach and priority towards maintaining and strengthening relations with its neighboring countries.
National security interests: Refers to the protection and defense of India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and overall security.
Resources: Refers to tools, information, and assistance available to Indian students to ensure their safety and well-being while studying abroad.
Local laws and safety norms: Refers to the legal regulations and safety standards that Indian students need to be aware of and comply with while studying in a foreign country.
Indian embassy or consulate: The diplomatic mission established in a foreign country to represent the Indian government and provide various services to its citizens.
Comprehensive health and travel insurance: Refers to insurance coverage that provides financial protection for medical expenses and other travel-related issues.
Support network: Refers to a group of individuals, including fellow students, community groups, and advisers, who can provide assistance, guidance, and support to Indian students abroad.
Grievance redressal: Refers to the process of addressing and resolving complaints or issues faced by Indian citizens relating to consular services provided by Indian missions abroad.
Madad portal: An online platform that serves as a channel for Indian citizens abroad to seek assistance, support, and resolution of grievances related to consular services.
So, dear readers, as we conclude this discussion on the risks faced by Indian students studying abroad, it becomes imperative to prioritize their safety. Thankfully, the government is taking steps to address these concerns and provide necessary assistance. But remember, knowledge is power! Stay informed about local laws, register with the Indian embassy, purchase insurance, and build a support network abroad. And for more expert advice and guidance on visas and studying abroad, do visit visaverge.com. Stay safe and explore the world of opportunities!
This Article in a Nutshell:
403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018. Concerns about their welfare and safety are rising as more students go overseas for education. The Indian government is committed to their well-being, with measures in place to respond to any issues faced by Indian students. It’s important to familiarize oneself with local laws, stay connected with the embassy, and purchase comprehensive insurance. Resources are available on the official MEA website and the ‘Madad’ portal.
