External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured the nation on Thursday that the Indian government is closely monitoring the welfare of Indian students, particularly in regions affected by tensions or violence. He emphasized that the safety and well-being of students is a top priority for the government.
Addressing concerns in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said, “The welfare of students is something very close to the government’s heart.” He went on to elaborate that the government actively monitors Indian students abroad, especially in regions where conflict or violence might pose a threat to their safety. “If needed, we remain prepared to run flights for their evacuation,” he added.
The Minister explained that the government maintains a detailed count of Indian students across the world and closely tracks their welfare. “Wherever there is a situation of tension or the likelihood of violence, we alert students, as we did in Ukraine,” Jaishankar noted. He emphasized that the government is always prepared to take additional steps, including arranging flights for rescue operations, if the situation demands.
Jaishankar further stated that embassies and ambassadors are under clear instructions to prioritize the safety of students. “All embassies and ambassadors have been told to take a special interest in the welfare of students, depending on the situation,” he said. “We have been very sympathetic and very responsive in these matters. Every embassy today is very proactive in ensuring the safety and security of Indian students.”
The minister’s comments come amid escalating global tensions, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict in West Asia, marked by violent clashes and political instability, has raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, including Indian students. Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine war, which will enter its third year on February 24, 2025, has also added to the anxieties surrounding students in conflict zones.
(With ANI inputs)
