749 Indian Students Died in Foreign Countries Over Five-Year Period
The Union Minister of State for External Affairs has disclosed alarming statistics regarding Indian students studying abroad. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 749 Indian students lost their lives across 49 different foreign countries. The primary causes of these tragic deaths were identified as medical reasons, accidents, and suicides.
Sharp Increase in Student Fatalities
The data reveals a concerning upward trend in student deaths over the five-year period. In 2021, there were 81 recorded deaths among Indian students abroad. This number steadily increased, reaching 178 deaths in 2025 alone. The information was provided in response to a parliamentary question raised by Rajya Sabha member Rajinder Gupta.
Additional Cases of Violence and Distress
Beyond the 749 fatalities, the minister reported that 27 Indian students fell victim to violent attacks during the same period. The year 2024 saw the highest concentration of such violent incidents, with 16 deaths occurring primarily in Canada and the United States.
The ministry also documented 1,444 cases involving health issues, criminal activities, discrimination, or visa problems across 23 different countries. Additionally, there were 779 consolidated cases reported from France over the last five years.
Government's Response and Support Systems
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that safeguarding Indian students abroad remains a high priority. Several support mechanisms have been established to assist students facing difficulties:
- Regular contact maintained through the MADAD Portal, a dedicated grievance redressal system
- Establishment of dedicated WhatsApp groups for timely communication and assistance
- Organization of regular consular camps in countries with significant Indian student populations
These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive support to Indian students navigating challenges while pursuing education in foreign countries. The ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and implement measures to enhance student safety and well-being abroad.
