Over 7200 Students Safely Return from Violence-Hit Bangladesh: MoS External Affairs Triumphantly Announces
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed the Rajya Sabha that over 7,200 Indian students returned from Bangladesh to India between July 18 and August 1, amid political unrest. In a written statement, Singh noted that approximately 19,000 Indian citizens, including over 9,000 students, reside in Bangladesh.
Singh explained that the statewise list of students is not maintained by Missions and Posts in Bangladesh. However, these students hail from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and several states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. The High Commission of India in Dhaka, alongside Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, has been facilitating the voluntary return of Indian nationals in coordination with Bangladeshi authorities.
Addressing concerns about the intake of Indian students in Canadian universities amidst strained India-Canada relations, Singh reported an increase over the last three years. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows the figures: 216,360 in 2021, 318,380 in 2022, and 427,085 in 2023, contrary to reports of a decline.
When questioned about the “growing Chinese influence” in India’s neighboring countries, Singh assured that the government remains vigilant of activities affecting India’s interests.
Responding to a query on pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Shri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan, Singh cited the numbers: 10,025 in 2021, 86,097 in 2022, and 96,555 in 2023.
On India’s diplomatic stance regarding the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, Singh reiterated that India condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the loss of civilian lives in the current Israel-Hamas conflict. He emphasized India’s call for a ceasefire and continuous humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
This summary was reported by India Today.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/over-7200-students-returned-from-violence-hit-bangladesh-says-mos-external-affairs-1067732-2024-08-09?utm_source=rssfeed
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