‘Tragedies Will Happen, It’s Our Responsibility To…’: US Envoy Eric Garcetti On Deaths Of Indian Students

On events involving the loss of Indian students' lives in the United States, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti conveyed Washington's firm commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian students.

File Photo of US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti

Source : PTI

In response to recent distressing events involving the loss of Indian students' lives in the United States, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Friday conveyed Washington's firm commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian students pursuing education in the US. Notably, five deaths of Indian students in the US have been reported this year, with two being Indian nationals and the remaining three of Indian origin.

Expressing condolences for the unfortunate incidents, Ambassador Garcetti stated to news agency ANI, "Our heart always is touched when any tragedy occurs, whether it is a life taken by somebody or any violence - no matter who they are. We are very committed to making sure that Indians know that the United States is a wonderful place to study and to be safe."

#WATCH | On deaths of Indian students in the US, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti says, "Our heart always is touched when any tragedy, whether it is a life taken by somebody or any violence - no matter who they are. We are very committed to making sure that Indians know that… pic.twitter.com/9EgkXhRAcF

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024

Highlighting the substantial number of Indian students studying in the US, Ambassador Garcetti emphasised the shared responsibility of both nations in addressing such incidents. "We have more Indians studying in the US than any country in the world. Over 2,000 visas were granted just last year alone," he reiterated, as quoted by ANI.

"We know tragedies will happen, it’s our responsibility to make sure that we work together with the Indian government and that people know what they can do. Our hearts go out to the families in any of these tragedies," Garcetti remarked stressing the need for collaboration between the US and Indian governments to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

'No Foul Play': MEA On Deaths Of Indian Students

In light of the recent events, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India also addressed the issue, asserting that there was "no foul play or interconnectedness" in the reported incidents. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified, "There are five Indian students who have died that also includes students from the diaspora. These five deaths... Of these five deaths, two people are Indian nationals and the rest three are of Indian origin. They are US nationals."

Regarding specific cases, Jaiswal mentioned the brutal killing of Vivek Saini in Lithonia, Georgia, stating, "The culprit has been arrested and the local authorities are investigating the matter and taking it forward." He also addressed another case at the University of Cincinnati, indicating no foul play based on preliminary reports.

Acknowledging concerns raised after an attack on a Hyderabad resident, Mazir Ali, in Chicago, Jaiswal assured that the Indian consulate in Chicago is in close contact with him and his family, providing necessary support. "We are trying to see how best to help him with medical aid. Also to ensure his wellbeing," Jaiswal added.

While investigations into these incidents continue, the MEA emphasised its commitment to assisting Indian nationals abroad and coordinating with local authorities. "You will come to know more, when the time comes, but my request to you is that you must see that there is no interconnectedness in this, they are not related," the MEA spokesperson reiterated.

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