Over 7,200 Indian Students Return Amid Bangladesh Turmoil: MEA Update

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th August. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reported that more than 7,200 Indian students have returned to India in the past couple of weeks, up until August 1, due to the unstable situation in Bangladesh. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided this update in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

As per the minister, approximately 19,000 Indian citizens, including over 9,000 students, are currently residing in Bangladesh. The MEA has been coordinating with Indian missions in Dhaka and other cities to assist these nationals and ensure their safety during their voluntary return.

The students affected by the situation hail from various states including Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. A state-wise breakdown of those who have returned is not maintained by the Indian missions in Bangladesh.

In addition to addressing the situation in Bangladesh, Singh provided data on Indian students’ enrollment in Canadian universities, noting a rise in numbers despite strained relations between India and Canada. Figures from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) show an increase in Indian student intake from 216,360 in 2021 to 427,085 in 2023.

Regarding regional dynamics, Singh affirmed that India is vigilant about the growing influence of China in neighboring countries. He emphasized that India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” guides its approach, focusing on strong development partnerships and vibrant exchanges.

The minister also provided figures on Indian pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan, and outlined India’s humanitarian efforts in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, including the provision of 70 tonnes of aid and ongoing calls for ceasefire and peaceful resolution.

Additionally, Singh updated on the framework agreement with Israel for the temporary employment of Indian workers, which has resulted in 4,825 placements so far.