Ensuring safety and support for Indian diaspora in the United States

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a troubling surge in the number of deaths among Indian students pursuing higher education in its universities. The rise in xenophobic sentiments and hate crimes targeting minority communities has instilled fear and insecurity among Indian students, undermining their sense of belonging and safety in their host country. To address the pressing issue of Indian student deaths in the US and enhance the well-being of the Indian diaspora, concerted efforts are needed at various levels: Strengthening support services: Universities and educational institutions must prioritise the mental health and well-being of international students by providing comprehensive support services, including counselling, peer support groups, and cultural integration programmes. Enhancing bilateral cooperation: The governments of India and the US should strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, research, and cultural exchange to facilitate smoother transitions for Indian students studying in the US. Moreover, the growing people-to-people ties between India and the US, fuelled by a vibrant Indian diaspora, have catalysed strengthening bilateral relations and fostering greater understanding and goodwill between the two countries.