Bangladesh: Over 7,200 Indian Students Have Returned To India, Says Govt

Over 7,200 Indian students returned from Bangladesh by August 1, 2024, amid unrest. The Indian government is coordinating their safe passage.

New Delhi: Over 7,200 Indian students have returned to India in the past few weeks, ending August 1, due to the situation in Bangladesh, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. In a written response, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, noted that around 19,000 Indian citizens, including over 9,000 students, are currently residing in Bangladesh.

When asked about the total number of Indians in Bangladesh for education or business purposes, the number of Gujaratis in Bangladesh, and whether any special campaign had been initiated to evacuate Indians from the violence-hit country, the minister provided these details.

Indian students in Bangladesh hail from various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. However, the Mission and Posts in Bangladesh do not maintain a state-wise list of these individuals.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka, along with Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, has been aiding in the voluntary return of Indian nationals. The authorities are coordinating with their Bangladeshi counterparts to ensure the safety and security of Indians during their stay and their movement to airports and land ports along the India-Bangladesh border.

Singh stated that the Ministry of External Affairs is also coordinating with relevant Indian authorities to ensure smooth passage for citizens arriving at land ports and airports. From July 18 to August 1, 2024, over 7,200 Indian students have returned to India.

Regarding the evacuation process, the minister clarified that a state-wise list of Indian nationals who have "voluntarily departed" from Bangladesh is not maintained by the Indian Mission and Posts in Bangladesh.

In a separate query, the minister was asked about the recent trend of Indian student intake in Canadian universities amid strained India-Canada relations. Contrary to concerns, Singh provided data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which showed an increase in Indian student enrollment in Canadian universities over the past three years: 2,16,360 in 2021, 3,18,380 in 2022, and 4,27,085 in 2023.

On the issue of "growing Chinese influence" in India’s neighboring countries, Singh assured that the government is closely monitoring all activities in the region that could impact India's interests. He emphasized that India’s "Neighbourhood First Policy" continues to guide its approach, resulting in robust engagements, development partnerships, connectivity projects, and cultural exchanges with neighboring nations.

Additionally, Singh provided data on the number of Indian pilgrims who visited Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan over the past three years: 10,025 in 2021, 86,097 in 2022, and 96,555 in 2023.

In response to a query regarding India’s diplomatic efforts in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Singh reiterated India’s strong condemnation of the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent loss of civilian lives. He mentioned that India has called for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the release of hostages. India has also sent 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies.

The minister further noted that around 26,000 Indian nationals currently work in various sectors of the Israeli economy. In 2022, India and Israel began discussions on a framework agreement to facilitate the temporary employment of Indian workers. This agreement was concluded in November 2023, under which 4,825 Indian workers have so far been placed in Israel.

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