External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reassured the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the government is deeply committed to the welfare of Indian students, particularly those in regions affected by conflict or unrest. He emphasized that the safety of students abroad is a matter that is very close to the government’s heart.
In response to concerns about Indian students in regions facing escalating tensions, Jaishankar stated, “The government closely monitors the welfare of Indian students and ensures they are alerted in case of potential violence. We are always prepared to take further steps, such as running flights for evacuation if necessary.”
He further clarified, “We track the numbers and locations of Indian students across all foreign countries. Whenever there is a possibility of violence or tension, we take proactive measures to alert students, as we did during the Ukraine crisis. If further action is required, we are fully prepared with contingency plans in place.”
Jaishankar also highlighted that the government has instructed all embassies and ambassadors to prioritize student welfare. “All our embassies and ambassadors have been directed to pay special attention to the safety and well-being of Indian students. I want to assure everyone that the welfare of students remains a top priority for the government. Our embassies are very proactive in ensuring their safety,” he added.
Jaishankar’s remarks come amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, which is now in its third year. The government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian students in such challenging situations remains firm.
