Mili Mohan, a 25-year-old Indian medical student, died in a road accident in eastern Kazakhstan while returning from a student excursion, the Indian Embassy in Central Asian country confirmed on Tuesday. Two other Indian students were injured in the incident.
According to the Embassy, the accident involved a group of 11 Indian students from Semey Medical University who had travelled from Oskemen to the Altai Alps region and were returning when the mishap occurred.
Victims and medical update
The injured students, identified as Ashika Sheejamini Santhosh and Jaseena B, are undergoing treatment at City Hospital No. 1 in Ust-Kamenagorsk. “As per the latest information, their condition is stable,” the Embassy said, adding that it remains in constant touch with university officials, hospital authorities and the families.
Expressing condolences, the Embassy said it “conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased” and is coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure all assistance is provided. The incident comes barely a week after another fatal road accident near Almaty on January 6, in which two Indian students were killed and three others injured.
In a statement issued earlier, the Embassy said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic road accident” and extended heartfelt condolences to the families. It noted that the injured students were receiving medical care, family members had reached Kazakhstan, and arrangements were being made to repatriate the mortal remains of the deceased to India on a priority basis.
Ongoing coordination
The Indian mission also thanked friends, families and well-wishers for their prayers and support, saying it continues to coordinate with multiple agencies to ensure “swift and effective assistance,” and also prioritising critical and time-sensitive communications during this difficult period.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is witnessing a record surge in international student enrolment, fuelled by a government-led push to globalise its higher education sector. In 2024, the country hosted 31,500 foreign students, the highest number on record and has now set an ambitious target of attracting 100,000 international students by 2028. To support this goal, the government has rolled out a dedicated strategy to promote Kazakhstan as a global education hub through its Study in Kazakhstan campaign, aimed at drawing international talent and boosting the country’s academic standing worldwide.