Lok Sabha Question No. 3565 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Protection of Indian Diaspora against Transnational Suppression
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Azad Kirti Jha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3565

ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026

## PROTECTION OF INDIAN DIASPORA AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL SUPPRESSION

3565. SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)   whether   the   Government   has   maintained   or   compiled   data   on incidents   or   cases   of   transnational   repression,   harassment   or intimidation   reported   by   members   of   the   Indian   diaspora   to   Indian missions or other authorities abroad, country-wise and if so, the details thereof;

(b)   the   mechanisms   currently   in   place   for   assisting   and   protecting Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin who face such challenges in foreign jurisdictions;

(c) the broader vision and strategy of Government to further strengthen institutional protections and empower diaspora communities, including measures   for   enhancing   their   safety,   grievance   redressal   and diplomatic engagement; and

(d)   whether   the   Government   proposes   to   establish   dedicated frameworks or coordination mechanisms with host countries to address and prevent incidents of transnational suppression or targeted coercion against members of the Indian diaspora, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a to d) Members of the diaspora report from time to time harassment or intimidation   by   separatists   and   other   anti-Indian   elements   aborad. These   are   brought   to   the   attention   of   local   governments   by   our Embassies and Consulates.

The safety and security of the Indian diaspora is one of the foremost priorities of the Government of India. Indian Missions/Posts encourage

and advise the Indian diaspora in their jurisdictions to register with them and also to lodge their grievances on the MADAD Portal and CPGRAMS of this   Ministry.   The   grievances   of   the   Indian   diaspora members   are   responded   to   almost   on   a   real   time   basis   through telephone   calls,   walk-ins,   emails,   social   media,   24x7   emergency helplines,   Consular   Camps,   Open   Houses,   the   MADAD   Portal   and CPGRAMS. Indian Missions/Posts abroad also proactively reach out to distressed Indian nationals, either directly or through the local Indian Diaspora Associations within their jurisdiction and provide them all possible   consular   services,   including   legal   assistance,   emergency medical care and boarding/ lodging, whenever required.

The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has also been set up in Indian Missions/ Posts abroad for assisting overseas Indian nationals in distress.   Under   the   ICWF,   distressed   Indian   diaspora   is   extended counselling and other forms of assistance on a means-tested basis. It is also extended for transportation of mortal remains of Indian diaspora overseas to India.

Indian Missions and Posts abroad, particularly in countries where there is political instability or economic crisis, remain vigilant and closely monitor any development that may adversely affect the Indian diaspora in such regions. From time to time, they issue advisories as required by developments in their respective countries of jurisdiction to caution Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary travel, remain in touch with them through published helpline numbers and follow safety guidelines and protocols   issued   by   local   authorities.   Any   unfortunate   incident   or challenges faced by members of the Indian diaspora community are immediately   taken   up   with   the   concerned   authorities   of   the   host country to suitably resolve them. Such issues are also raised during meetings   with   Government   officials   of   the   concerned   countries, including at the highest levels, as appropriate.

During emergencies or crisis situations in countries affected by political instability or economic crisis, Indian Missions/Posts help distressed/stranded Indians by providing them food, shelter, medicines and evacuate them to India, if necessary. Notable recent evacuation operations   undertaken   by   the   Government   of   India   include   Vande

Bharat, Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel) and Operation Sindhu (Israel   and   Iran).   These   efforts   demonstrate   the   Government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian diaspora in foreign lands.

Indian Missions/Posts remain vigilant and closely monitor any untoward incidents   affecting   Indian   nationals   abroad.   Such   incidents   are immediately   taken   up   with   the   concerned   authorities   of   the   host country to ensure that the cases are properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished as per their domestic laws. These issues are also   raised   at   the   political   and   official   level   with   the   countries concerned   during   bilateral   engagements   and   through   institutional dialogue mechanisms, including at the highest levels as appropriate.

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