EAM Jaishankar on rising deaths of Indian students in US: ‘Big concern for us’
- In Reports
- 11:16 PM, Apr 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the deaths and violent attacks on Indian students in the United States of America, though unconnected, are a big concern for the government.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mr. Jaishankar responded to a question about the rise in the number of Indian students becoming victims of violent attacks in foreign countries, saying, "Obviously, in every case, wherever anything unfortunate has happened to the students, it is of great tragedy for the family, and a big concern for us but...our embassy or consulate has looked at every case and they're actually unconnected."
Following a surge in similar incidents, embassies have been directed to maintain contact with students and relay information to caution them about risky areas in cities, stated Jaishankar.
As nearly 11 lakh to 12 lakh Indian students continue to live in various countries, student welfare is very important for India, said S Jaishankar on Monday.
“Student welfare is very important. Like I said, every Indian going out, you have Modi’s guarantee. Student welfare is particularly important for us,” Jaishankar added.
His statement comes amid the rise in the number of violent attacks that claim the lives of Indian students in the US. Nearly eleven students have died in the US so far under different circumstances. While a few deaths have been identified as murder, some were said to happen under suspicious circumstances.
Earlier this month, an Indian student named Uma Satya Sai Gadde was found dead in Ohio. The local police said they are investigating the death.
On April 9, the body of a 25-year-old Indian student, who had been missing since the previous month, was discovered in Cleveland. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, originally from Nacharam, Hyderabad, arrived in the US in May last year to pursue a Master's degree in IT at Cleveland University.
Last month, unidentified assailants in the US killed a 20-year-old student hailing from Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur. The deceased, Paruchuri Abhijit, was studying engineering at Boston University.
Last month, a 34-year-old Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dancer from Kolkata named Amarnath Ghosh was shot dead in Missouri. According to television actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Ghosh was shot dead in the St Louis Academy neighbourhood.
Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has intensified its efforts to connect with students in the US. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the recent fatalities of Indian students, stating that the embassy and consulates have proactively contacted them and offered all available assistance.
“Since January there are some ten-odd students who have passed away,” Jaiswal said during a press conference.
“Our consulates and mission in the US, they have strengthened our student outreach that they convey to the students how they can take care of themselves and what should be done,” he had said in response to a question on the safety of Indian students.
Image source: PTI
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