Indian students return from Bangladesh

Over 7,200 Indian Students Return Amid Bangladesh Unrest, Says Government

In response to the escalating unrest in Bangladesh, over 7,200 Indian students have returned to India in the last few weeks, according to a statement by the government in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The exodus began around mid-July and continued through to August 1. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, provided these figures in a written response, underscoring the gravity of the situation for Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh.

Singh mentioned that as per the latest records, approximately 19,000 Indian citizens, including over 9,000 students, currently reside in Bangladesh. The majority of these students hail from various Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. Despite this, the Indian Mission and Posts in Bangladesh do not maintain a state-wise list of these nationals.

The minister was asked about the total number of Indians living in Bangladesh for educational or business purposes, the number of people from Gujarat residing there, and whether any special campaign had been launched to evacuate Indian citizens from the violence-stricken neighboring country. Singh responded that the Indian government has been actively coordinating with the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals during their stay and movement to airports and land ports along the India-Bangladesh border.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka, along with the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, has played a crucial role in assisting the voluntary return of Indian citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also been working closely with relevant Indian authorities to facilitate the smooth passage of citizens arriving at land ports and airports.

The minister emphasized that the return of Indian students began on July 18, 2024, and by August 1, 2024, more than 7,200 students had returned to India. However, he reiterated that a state-wise breakdown of those who voluntarily left Bangladesh is not available.

In a separate query, Singh was asked about the impact of strained relations with Canada on Indian students’ intake in Canadian universities. Contrary to concerns, Singh shared data showing that the number of Indian students enrolling in Canadian universities has actually increased over the past three years. According to information from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, the number of Indian students in Canadian universities was 216,360 in 2021, 318,380 in 2022, and 427,085 in 2023.

Singh was also questioned about the “growing Chinese influence” on India’s neighboring countries. In his response, he affirmed that the Indian government remains vigilant and continuously monitors activities in neighboring countries that could affect India’s interests. He highlighted the “Neighbourhood First Policy,” which guides India’s approach to its neighboring countries, focusing on strong development partnerships, connectivity, and cultural exchanges. Singh assured that India’s relations with its neighbors stand independently of their relationships with third countries, and that the government takes all necessary measures to safeguard national security.

Additionally, the minister provided data on the number of pilgrims from India who visited Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan over the last three years. The figures were 10,025 in 2021, 86,097 in 2022, and 96,555 in 2023.

When asked about India’s diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, Singh responded that India has condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the resulting civilian casualties in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He stated that India has called for a ceasefire, sustained humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and the release of hostages. Additionally, India has provided 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies, to the people of Gaza. The government remains concerned about the deteriorating security situation and continues to advocate for restraint, de-escalation, and a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

Singh also shared that around 26,000 Indian nationals have moved to Israel over the past several years, contributing to 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 in Israel. The agreement was concluded in November 2023, and since then, 4,825 Indian workers have been placed in Israel under this framework.

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