At least 633 Indian students have died abroad across 41 countries in the past five years, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The highest number of these deaths, 172, occurred in Canada.
Other countries with significant numbers include the USA with 108 deaths, the UK with 58, Australia with 57, Russia with 37, and Germany with 24. The deaths were attributed to various causes, including natural causes, accidents, and medical emergencies, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a reply to a question asked by Kerala MP Kodikunnil Suresh, during the ongoing monsoon session of the Lok Sabha, Friday.
In response to concerns about violence, the MEA reported 19 deaths due to violent attacks, with the highest numbers occurring in Canada (9) and the US (6).
The ministry noted that cases of untoward incidents are promptly addressed by Indian missions abroad, which work with local authorities to investigate and ensure justice. During emergencies, these missions provide support such as food, shelter, and evacuation, as seen in recent operations like Vande Bharat Mission and Operation Ganga.
The MEA also provided data on Indian students studying abroad. As of January 1, 2024, approximately 1.33 million Indian students are enrolled in higher education institutions across 101 countries.
The highest numbers are in Canada (4,27,000), the U.S. (3,37,630), the U.K. (1,85,000), and Australia (1,22,200). In 2022, there were 750,000 Indian students abroad, which increased to 9,30,000 in 2023.
Regarding student deportations, the MEA reported that 48 Indian students were deported from the US in the past three years. The reasons for deportation, often related to visa violations, are not always officially disclosed by U.S. authorities.
Number of students studying abroad
2024: 1.33 million
2023: 0.93 million
2022: 0.75 million
Indian student deaths in the last 5 years (Source MEA reply in Lok Sabha)
Canada: 172
US: 108
UK: 58
Australia: 57
Russia: 37
Germany: 24
Ukraine: 18
Italy: 18
Saudi Arabia: 18
Total (across 41 countries): 633
Deaths in violence/attacks: 19 (including 9 in Canada and 6 in the US)
Countries where Indian students are pursuing higher education as on January 1, 2024
Canada: 4,27,000
US: 3,37,630
UK: 1,85,000
Australia: 1,22,200
Germany: 42,997
Russia: 24,940
Ukraine: 2,519
Pakistan: 14
A total of 13,35,030 students are studying across 101 countries