Indian students now constitute the largest group of international students in both the United States and Canada. However, a recent spate of violent incidents and fatalities has raised serious safety concerns, prompting warnings from the Indian government.

Recent Tragic Incidents

The alarming trend of student deaths has particularly been highlighted by three separate incidents in Canada during December alone. These incidents have sparked concerns over the safety and well-being of Indian students studying abroad.

In Ontario, 22-year-old postgraduate student Gurasis Singh from Punjab was tragically stabbed to death by his roommate, just four months after arriving in Canada to pursue his education. Shortly after, another Indian student, Rittika Rajput, lost her life in Kelowna, British Columbia, when a tree fell on her during a late-night bonfire. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police deemed the incident non-suspicious. On December 6, Harshandeep Singh, a 20-year-old student who also worked as a security guard, was shot and killed in Edmonton in an attack by a gang. Two suspects have since been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death.

Following these tragedies, the Indian government has issued an advisory urging students abroad to exercise “extreme caution.”

Government Response and Safety Measures

Indian Foreign Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that Indian embassies and consulates are actively monitoring such incidents. Authorities are maintaining close communication with students, providing guidance on safety measures, and highlighting potentially dangerous areas within cities.

Indian Students Surpass Chinese Counterparts in Numbers

For the first time in over a decade, Indian students now represent the largest cohort studying abroad, surpassing Chinese students. According to government statistics, approximately 1.33 million Indian students were pursuing higher education overseas as of 2024. In comparison, the number of Chinese students stood at just over 1 million.

The United States remains a major destination for Indian students, with over 330,000 enrolled in various American higher education institutions in 2024, according to the US State Department. However, Canada hosts the highest number of Indian students, with over 400,000 enrolled, as per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Challenges Faced by Indian Students

Many Indian students view studying abroad as a stepping stone to permanent residency, particularly in Canada. However, a significant number enroll in sub-par institutions and struggle financially, often working long hours to cover tuition and living expenses.

Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian envoy to Canada, has highlighted that these students often face challenges such as hate crimes, mental health struggles, and difficulties in adjusting to a new environment. He also pointed out that some students fall prey to fraudulent agents who make false promises about an easy transition to Canadian residency.

Ravinder Singh, an Indian student residing in Toronto, emphasized the risks faced by students who are forced to rent accommodations in lower-income neighborhoods due to financial constraints. “Sometimes, students are just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that is when they get hurt,” he said.

Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures

With the increasing number of Indian students abroad, there is a growing demand for host countries to ensure their safety. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla urged governments in student-hosting nations to provide a secure environment. He emphasized the need for local communities to be better sensitized against racism and violence toward foreign students.

Data from the Indian Foreign Ministry reveals that in the past five years, at least 633 Indian students have died abroad across 41 countries. Canada reported the highest number of fatalities at 172, followed by the US with 108. These deaths stem from various causes, including violent crimes, accidents, and environmental hazards.

An analysis published by the US-based Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) in April 2024 examined the causes of these deaths. The findings indicated that Indian students abroad have fallen victim to suspicious shootings, kidnappings, environmental hazards due to lack of safety awareness, suspicious accidents, and violent crimes.

FIIDS chief of policies and strategy, Khanderao Kand, warned that if such incidents are not adequately addressed, they could impact the confidence of Indian students in choosing US universities, thereby affecting student inflows.

The Need for a Proactive Approach

Amitabh Mattoo, dean of international studies at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, stressed the need for better safety measures and support systems for Indian students. He called for stronger cooperation between Indian and host country authorities to protect students.

“There must be sensitivity, security, and strengthening of systems for students studying abroad. This proactive approach is crucial to ensuring they feel supported and safe while pursuing education,” Mattoo said.

As the number of Indian students seeking international education continues to grow, ensuring their safety must remain a top priority for both Indian authorities and host countries. Addressing these concerns effectively will help students pursue their education without fear and build trust in the global academic landscape.