Over 7,200 Indian students have returned to India in the past few weeks, ending August 1, due to the situation in Bangladesh. This was revealed by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. He also stated that according to available records, approximately 19,000 Indian citizens, including over 9,000 students, reside in Bangladesh.
The Indian students returning from Bangladesh hail from various states and union territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. While a state-wise list is not maintained by Indian missions in Bangladesh, the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna have been actively aiding the voluntary return of Indian nationals. These missions are also coordinating with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens during their stay and movement to airports and land ports along the India-Bangladesh border.
The Ministry of External Affairs has been coordinating with relevant Indian authorities to facilitate a smooth passage for returning citizens at land ports and airports. Over 7,200 Indian students have returned to India since July 18, 2024, until August 1, 2024. It is important to note that a state-wise list of Indian nationals who have voluntarily departed from Bangladesh is not maintained by Indian missions and posts in Bangladesh.
In a separate query, Singh was asked about the alleged decline in Indian student intake in Canadian universities due to strained relations between India and Canada. However, he shared data obtained from the website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), indicating an increase in Indian student intake over the last three years. The data reveals that the corresponding figures were 2,16,360 in 2021, 3,18,380 in 2022, and 4,27,085 in 2023.
Another question addressed the government’s awareness of growing Chinese influence in India’s neighboring countries. Singh responded by stating that the government is well-informed about all activities in India’s neighborhood that impact its interests. The government adheres to the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, which guides its approach to neighboring countries. This policy has fostered outcome-oriented engagements, robust development partnerships, physical, digital, and economic connectivity, as well as vibrant people-to-people and cultural exchanges. India actively engages with its neighbors, characterized by extensive education, culture, trade, and investment linkages.
India’s relations with its neighbors are independent of their relations with third countries. The government maintains a vigilant watch on all developments affecting India’s national security and takes necessary measures to safeguard it.
Singh also provided data on the number of Indian pilgrims who visited Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan over the last three years. The figures are as follows: 10,025 in 2021, 86,097 in 2022, and 96,555 in 2023.
In response to a question regarding India’s diplomatic initiative to halt the ongoing war between Palestine and Israel, Singh stated that India strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the loss of civilian lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict. India has called for a ceasefire and sustained humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.
India has provided 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies, during the conflict. India has also called for the release of remaining hostages. The government remains concerned about the deteriorating security situation and has called for restraint and de-escalation, emphasizing a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Approximately 26,000 Indian nationals who have arrived in Israel over the past several years are currently working in various sectors of the Israeli economy. In 2022, India and Israel commenced discussions on a framework agreement to facilitate the temporary employment of Indian workers, which was finalized in November 2023. Under this agreement, 4,825 Indian workers have been placed in Israel so far.
