'Big Concern For Govt': Jaishankar Amid Rising Attacks And Deaths Of Indian Students In US

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.

Jaishankar said some were murdered over personal issues whereas others were victims to accidents.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Jaishankar said, “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.”

The External Affairs Minister noted that embassies have been instructed to remain in touch with students and talk to them, warn them, especially about the dangerous areas of the cities. He said that 11-12 lakh Indian students are living abroad in various countries.

“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 the Indian students in the US.

Earlier this month, a 25-year-old student from Hyderabad was found dead in Ohio’s Cleveland. The Indian embassy in New York had announced that the student died after he was missing for nearly three weeks.

Last month, unidentified assailants in the US had killed a 20-year-old student hailing from Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur. The deceased, Paruchuri Abhijit, was studying engineering in Boston University.

Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has stepped up its outreach to students in the US. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted the recent death of Indian students, saying the embassy and consulates have reached out and have extended all possible help.

“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 safety of Indian students.