The recent data revealing a distressing trend of Indian student deaths abroad underscores the pressing need for heightened awareness and intervention
The year 2024 began with a series of tragic incidents involving some Indians living in the USA, starkly highlighting the vulnerability of persons of Indian origin abroad. Recently an IT executive Vivek Taneja, 41, was killed when he tried to save a female colleague from molestation outside a restaurant in Washington. Vivek became the seventh victim of attacks that took place on Indians in America this year. A spate of incidents of death of Indians living in foreign countries has ensued in the recent past. The government of India had recently informed the Parliament that around 403 incidents of death of Indian students living abroad have been reported since 2018 due to various reasons including natural causes, accidents and medical conditions. The data reveals a disheartening scenario for Indians aspiring to go abroad for various purposes as it showed that 91 Indian students died in Canada, 48 in the UK, 40 in Russia, 36 in the US, 35 in Australia, 21 in Ukraine and 20 in Germany, 14 in Cyprus, 10 each in Philippines and Italy and nine each in Qatar, China and Kyrgyzstan.
Among other factors responsible for the death of Indians abroad, the crimes and attacks upon Indians have emerged as a major cause of concern. The recent incidents of attacks on Indians in America also raise concerns about the probable escalation of xenophobia and hate crimes against immigrants and minority communities in the United States. The attacks highlight the vulnerability of Indian Americans and other minority groups and underscore the need for increased awareness and intervention if the attacks were prompted by hatred and discrimination. These incidents might also be a reflection of the broader trend of racially motivated violence and anti-Asian hate crimes that witnessed a surge in anti-Asian racism and violence especially during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.
The year 2024 has witnessed many consecutive deaths of Indian or Indian-origin students due to various causes, some of which the cause of deaths is still unclear. These incidents serve as a catalyst for a broader discussion about the challenges faced by Indians living overseas. While the specific details surrounding each death remain under investigation, they collectively underscore the critical need to address the risks and dangers encountered by Indian nationals abroad. As investigations into the recent incidents continue, it is crucial to examine the root causes and systemic issues that contribute to the vulnerability of Indians living abroad. Factors such as racism, xenophobia, inadequate security measures, and cultural misunderstandings are likely to play a role in endangering the lives of Indian nationals overseas.
Organizations like the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) report hate violence against South Asian communities, including Indians, and press for increased measures to address these crimes and enhance community safety. It is likely that systemic racism still continues in various institutional practices and policies, creating a disadvantageous environment for Indians and other minority groups in the USA. Disparities in hiring and promotion practices, unequal treatment within the criminal justice system, and limited access to quality education and healthcare are probable systemic issues that might require immediate attention. Reports suggest a need for greater awareness and accountability regarding systemic racism, requiring policy reforms and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion as Indian Americans become targets of hate crimes fuelled by racial or ethnic animus resulting in incidents of verbal harassment, vandalism, and physical assaults across the nation.
In cases where individuals are found responsible for crimes against Indian nationals abroad, there is a growing demand for extradition and legal accountability. Extradition of guilty persons to India for trial and punishment is essential to ensure justice and deter future crimes. India and the US had signed an extradition treaty in 1997. This treaty outlines the process for extraditing individuals who commit crimes in one country and flee to the other. While the extradition treaty exists, navigating it is usually complex and time-consuming. Delays occur due to lengthy legal processes, gathering evidence, potential appeals etc.
The Government of India bears a significant responsibility for safeguarding the interests and security of its citizens living abroad. The Indian government has taken up such matters with foreign governments and has constantly expressed its concerns in the past. Indian consulates in the US and elsewhere must enhance the process of providing assistance to Indian citizens, offer guidance on various issues like legal rights, visa concerns, and emergency support etc.
The government must raise awareness about safety concerns and resources available to Indian citizens in foreign lands, including collaborating with community organizations. The Indian government may also consider collaborating with organizations like SAALT to provide support, resources, and advocacy for Indian communities abroad. Consulates can connect Indian citizens with legal resources and provide guidance on navigating the foreign legal system in case of discrimination or hate crimes. Tragedy in the US underscores the urgent need for multifaceted solutions. The death of Indian or Indian-origin individuals in America serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the safety and security of Indian nationals living abroad.
(The author is a Sr Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, the University of Delhi, research inputs by Shreyansh Gupta; views are personal)
The security of Indians abroad is paramount
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18.02.2024
The recent data revealing a distressing trend of Indian student deaths abroad underscores the pressing need for heightened awareness and intervention
The year 2024 began with a series of tragic incidents involving some Indians living in the USA, starkly highlighting the vulnerability of persons of Indian origin abroad. Recently an IT executive Vivek Taneja, 41, was killed when he tried to save a female colleague from molestation outside a restaurant in Washington. Vivek became the seventh victim of attacks that took place on Indians in America this year. A spate of incidents of death of Indians living in foreign countries has ensued in the recent past. The government of India had recently informed the Parliament that around 403 incidents of death of Indian students living abroad have been reported since 2018 due to various reasons including natural causes, accidents and medical conditions. The data reveals a disheartening scenario for Indians aspiring to go abroad for various purposes as it showed that 91 Indian students died in Canada, 48 in the UK, 40 in Russia, 36 in the US, 35 in Australia, 21 in Ukraine and 20 in Germany, 14 in Cyprus, 10 each in Philippines and Italy and nine each in Qatar, China and Kyrgyzstan.
Among other factors responsible for the death of Indians abroad, the crimes and attacks upon Indians have emerged as a major cause of concern. The recent incidents of attacks on Indians in America also raise concerns about........
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