NEW DELHI: Over the past five years, 633 Indian students have been reported dead abroad due to various causes, according to Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Canada accounted for the highest number of deaths at 172, followed by 108 in the US, 58 in the UK, 57 in Australia, and 37 in Russia. Additional incidents include 24 deaths in Germany, 18 in Ukraine, 12 each in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Cyprus, and eight cases in China.
Singh highlighted that 19 Indian students lost their lives in attacks overseas during this period, with Canada reporting the highest number of nine deaths, followed by six in the United States.
“As per the information available with the Ministry, 633 incidents of death of Indian students abroad have been reported in the last five years due to various reasons including natural causes, accidents, and medical conditions. Providing safety and security to Indian students abroad is one of the topmost priorities of the government of India. Indian missions/posts abroad maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in universities abroad,” Singh stated in a written reply.
In response to a separate question, Singh mentioned that over the last three years, 48 Indian students have been deported from the US.
“Reasons for deportation are not officially shared by the US authorities. Unauthorized employment, unauthorized withdrawal from classes, expulsion and suspension, and failure to report optional practical training employment are some of the possible reasons.
