Lok Sabha Question No. 1218 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Violence against Indian Students Abroad
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-  1218

ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIAN STUDENTS ABROAD

## 1218. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware of the rising incidents of violence against Indian students abroad, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether any timely investigation has been conducted in this regard, if so, the details thereof;

- (c) the diplomatic steps taken by the Government to enhance safety and mitigate risk for students in high-risk countries;

(d)   whether   the   Government   maintains   any   helpline   number   to   make complaints in case of distress abroad; and

- (e) whether any pre-orientation sessions have been conducted by Indian embassies   abroad,   raising   awareness   about   safety   and   emergency procedures, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to e) The country-wise list of the total number of Indian students in foreign Universities who had died on account of violent attacks since 2018 is attached at Annexure-I.

The Government  accords high priority to safety and security of  Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of  violence against them. Violent and untoward incidents against them are immediately taken up by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure   that   they   are   properly   investigated   and   the   perpetrators   are punished.

Indian Missions/Posts also take steps to maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities in their jurisdictions and conduct pre-orientation sessions with them upon their arrival in foreign lands to brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions to be taken while studying overseas, including issue of advisories from time to time.

With the view to ensuring effective communication and timely support, Indian   students   are   encouraged   to   connect   with   the   local   Indian Missions/Posts through various means, including the MADAD Portal of this

Ministry, WhatsApp Groups created specifically for Indian students, Consular Camps, Open Houses, emergency hotlines etc.

Indian Missions/Posts also remain vigilant, particularly in countries affected by political instability, economic crises, and where the risks of students being misled or exploited may be higher. Any incident affecting Indian students are immediately raised with host Governments to ensure their safety and appropriate redressal. Consular assistance, including emergency medical support, temporary accommodation, and other essential services, is extended whenever needed. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is utilised to support Indian nationals, including students, in times of distress and extend assistance when necessary.

During   emergencies,   Government   of   India   has   undertaken   large-scale evacuation operations to protect and bring home Indian nationals, including students.  Notable  recent   evacuation   operations   include   Operation   Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel) and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran). These efforts demonstrate Government of India's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad and towards protecting them from miscreants and unsafe security situations.

## Annexure-I

## Deaths of Indian Students due to violent attacks (2018-2025)

|   S.No. | Name of the country   |   No. of deaths due to violent attacks |
|---------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------|
|       1 | Australia             |                                      3 |
|       2 | Canada                |                                     17 |
|       3 | China                 |                                      1 |
|       4 | Denmark               |                                      1 |
|       5 | Germany               |                                      1 |
|       6 | Grenada               |                                      1 |
|       7 | Kyrgyzstan            |                                      2 |
|       8 | USA                   |                                      9 |
|       9 | UK                    |                                      1 |

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