India eyes comprehensive database of students abroad amid global conflicts

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has started awareness campaigns to encourage Indian students studying abroad to register with Indian embassies and high commissions, as the government looks to build a comprehensive database of Indians overseas.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the move comes after recent evacuation operations during the Russia-Ukraine and Iran conflicts, when a large number of Indian students contacted Indian missions for help and safe passage.

It is believed that maintaining a proper database will help the government respond more effectively during emergencies and conflicts.

India currently does not have a centralised database of students studying abroad, despite estimates suggesting that more than one million Indians are pursuing education overseas. At present, the government relies largely on student visa data released by foreign governments and estimates compiled by Indian missions abroad.

More from India

Push for better registration system

There is no mandatory rule requiring Indian students to register with the government before travelling abroad. In 2015, the MEA launched the 'Madad' Portal as a voluntary platform for Indian citizens overseas, including students, to register and seek consular support.

However, the portal has seen limited participation. According to the report, only around 41,000 students have registered so far.

The report says that officials are now considering revamping the Madad portal or launching a new dedicated platform for Indians travelling abroad for education and employment.

Such a system would not only improve rescue and evacuation planning during crises, but also help missions guide students regarding local laws, cultural practices, language barriers, visa rules and documentation.

Focus on key student destinations

The awareness campaign is currently focused on countries with large Indian student populations, including the United States, China, Malaysia, Germany and Canada. Missions are also reaching out to students in emerging education destinations such as Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, where many Indian students pursue medical education.

In Georgia, where around 23,000 Indians — mostly medical students — live in and around Tbilisi, India recently appointed Amit Mishra as its first full-time ambassador.

Low registration remains a concern

Despite repeated advisories by Indian missions, voluntary registrations remain very low in many countries, sometimes below 10 per cent of the actual student population.

During the Iran conflict, Indian embassies in both Iran and Israel had urged students to register for safety and coordination purposes. Similar advisories were also issued in Canada last year after Indian nationals faced incidents of hate crime.

Registration helps them stay connected with Indian citizens and provide assistance during emergencies or unexpected situations.