(a) whether there is a separate cell in the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the unfortunate deaths abroad;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has made a separate cell to bring back the bodies as desired by the kith and kin of the deceased to the country in a lesser time; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, whether the Government is proposing to set up the same in view of such incidents?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) to (d) The CPV Division in the Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal Division that coordinates with all Missions / Posts abroad regarding transportation of the mortal remains of Indians from abroad to their hometowns in India.
Our Missions/Posts remain in constant touch with the family/ relatives of the deceased Indian national to facilitate the transportation or local burial/ cremation of the mortal remains in accordance with their wishes and local regulations. Our Missions/Posts also actively liaise with the foreign sponsors, where applicable and local authorities concerned, to expedite procedures for the repatriation of mortal remains to India and extend all possible assistance to the family of the deceased including financial assistance in deserving cases on a means tested basis under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
As per information available with the Ministry, mortal remains of 21,930 Indian nationals from 125 countries have been brought back to India since 2015 till December, 2019.