Lok Sabha Question No. 61 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Assistance to Indian Students Association Abroad
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 61 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## Assistance to Indian Students Association Abroad

## 61. Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  list  of  Indian  Student  Associations  in  foreign  countries  that  are  recognized  by  the Government of India, country-wise;
- (b) the details of financial assistance provided by the Government to such Associations at abroad during the last five years and the current year, country-wise;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  undertaken  any  initiative  to  increase  collaboration  with  these
- Associations for welfare of Indian students who are studying in foreign countries; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a):  Numerous  Indian  Students  Associations  exist  and  operate  in  different  countries  across  the world. Government of India through its Embassies/Consulates abroad interacts and engages with these Indian Students Associations for connecting with the Indian Students studying in educational  institutions  in  their  countries  of  accreditation.  However,  Government  of  India  does not accord any formal recognition to these Indian Students Associations.

(b):  Government  of  India,  through  its  Embassies/Consulates  abroad,  regularly  support  and collaborates with Indian Students Associations abroad for promoting Indian cultural traditions and students' welfare measures in foreign countries. However, there is no specific financial assistance that is provided on a sustained basis to such Indian Students Associations abroad.

(c)  and  (d):  The  Indian  Students  Associations  constitute  crucial  pillars  of  the  student  outreach endeavours  and  initiatives  conducted  by  the  Government  of  India.  Indian  Embassies  and Consulates abroad maintain regular contacts with Indian students and their Associations enrolled in foreign Universities. This commences as soon as new Indian students are enrolled in foreign Universities.  They  are  invited  to  participate  in  Welcome  Ceremonies  organized  by  Indian Embassies  and  Consulates.  Indian  Missions/Posts  also  organize  Orientation  Programmes  when Heads of Indian Missions/Posts brief the Indian students on challenges and threats, if any, that they  may  confront  during  their  stay  in  the  foreign  lands  and  how  to  take  preventive  measures. Heads of  Indian  Missions/Posts  and  other  senior  Embassy/Consulate  officials  also  visit  foreign Universities and Educational Institutions in their respective countries of accreditation to regularly interact  with  Indian  students  and  Indian  Students  Associations.  During  these  visits  and  events, Indian  Embassy/Consulate  representatives  invite  Indian  students  to  register  on  the  relevant Government of India portals besides discussing measures to promote welfare of Indian students with the respective University  authorities.  Indian  Students  Associations  abroad  are  increasingly playing  a  partner  role  in  the  efforts  of  this  Ministry  to  engage  with  Indian  students  studying abroad.

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