The Indian Government has successfully repatriated over 7,200 students from Bangladesh in recent weeks, ending August 1, as reported to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. External Affairs Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh provided this update in response to parliamentary queries.
Singh highlighted that approximately 19,000 Indian citizens, including over 9,000 students, were residing in Bangladesh. Indian students from various States, including Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam, were among those evacuated.
The High Commission of India in Dhaka, alongside Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, played a key role in facilitating the voluntary return of Indian nationals. They worked closely with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of students during their return journey.
Singh addressed inquiries about the current number of Indian citizens in Bangladesh, stating that while the exact figures for State-wise residents were not maintained, efforts were being made to ensure a smooth evacuation process.
Additionally, Singh refuted claims of a decline in Indian student intake at Canadian universities due to strained relations with Canada, citing an increase in enrolments over the past three years.
The minister discussed the Indian Government’s stance on regional issues, including China’s influence in neighbouring countries, and detailed humanitarian aid provided in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
