Indian Government Reaffirms Priority for Safety and Welfare of Students Abroad, Says EAM S. Jaishankar

The External Affairs Minister informed Parliament that the government has adopted multiple steps to protect the interests of Indian students who have returned from conflict zones. He emphasized that the administration has remained both sympathetic and responsive to the welfare needs of such students, ensuring timely intervention whenever required.

Jaishankar further stated that hundreds of Indian students have been evacuated and brought back from various conflict-affected regions. He highlighted that special arrangements were made for medical students who were studying in Ukraine, allowing them to transfer their education programmes to third countries in order to continue their academic progress without disruption.

In addition, the government permitted these medical students to undertake their practical examinations within India, ensuring continuity in their professional training despite the disruption caused by international conflict. The Minister noted that such measures were part of broader efforts to support affected students academically and administratively.

He also pointed out that students from such regions have been provided multiple opportunities within India’s education system. Over the past decade, approximately 75,000 additional medical seats have been created in the country, significantly expanding access to medical education and strengthening domestic capacity.

The External Affairs Minister reiterated that the government continues to prioritize the well-being of Indian students abroad and remains committed to extending all possible support during crises, particularly for those affected by instability in foreign countries.