Reality Check: Canada Records Highest Indian Student Fatalities While It Accuses India Of Interference On It's Soil

At least 403 Indian students have lost their lives overseas since 2018 due to various reasons, including natural causes and accidents, as revealed in Parliament by Union Minister V Muraleedharan.

Among the 34 nations, Canada recorded the highest number of deaths.

The data disclosed in the Rajya Sabha indicates that Canada witnessed 91 deaths of Indian students, followed by the United Kingdom (48), Russia (40), the United States (36), Australia (35), Ukraine (21), Germany (20), Cyprus (14), Italy, and the Philippines (10 each).

Minister Muraleedharan underlined the government's dedication to the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad.

He assured proactive measures to address individual cases and prevent future untoward incidents.

The minister highlighted that heads of mission and senior officials regularly engage with Indian students studying abroad, emphasising that the safety and security of Indian students overseas are top priorities for the government of India.

"In the event of any untoward incident, immediate action is taken with the concerned authorities in the host country to ensure a thorough investigation and punishment for perpetrators," he added.

Additionally, distressed students are provided comprehensive consular assistance, encompassing emergency medical care, boarding, and lodging when necessary.

Responding to inquiries about the elevated number of student deaths abroad, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that the high volume of Indian students studying abroad might contribute to the statistics.

He indicated that individual incidents, including foul play, are addressed promptly by consulates, and such cases are taken up with local authorities.