Question : Assault on Indians

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the cases of assault on Indian nationals belonging to various communities have increased in various countries during each of the last three years and the current year and if so, the details thereof, country-wise and community-wise;

(b) whether the Indian Government has taken up the issue with the Government of respective countries during the said period and if so, the details and outcome thereof;

(c) whether the Indian Government has provided relief/assistance to such Indian nationals during the said period and if so, the details thereof along with the number of beneficiaries of such relief/assistance; and

(d) the other steps taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI M. J. AKBAR)

(a) to (d) As per the information, 191 incidents of attacks, involving 299 Indian nationals, have been reported in 33 countries since 2013 till the end of October 2016. Country-wise details are attached at Annexure. Community wise information is not available. However, there is no evidence to suggest that assault on any particular community from India has increased over the past years.

Whenever any report of attack on Indian nationals comes to notice, the matter is promptly taken up by the Indian Mission/Post concerned with the local Foreign Office and other concerned authorities in that country. Our Missions/Posts also take follow-up action, including in terms of arranging security, providing shelter where required and also extending consular assistance to the affected Indian nationals. In cases of death of an Indian national, assistance is also extended for repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national, including by incurring expenditure from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). It is also ensured that cases of violence are duly investigated by the local police authorities in order to bring the culprits to justice by liaising with the concerned authorities during the investigation and trial process.

The safety and security of Indians abroad is among the priorities for the Government of India. Consular Officers in the Indian Missions/Posts can be contacted even on closed holidays and weekends to respond to emergency requirements. 24x7 emergency telephone numbers are prominently displayed on the website of MEA as well as that of the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.