Parliament Question: Protection of Indian Diaspora against Transnational Suppression

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3565 ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026 PROTECTION OF INDIAN DIASPORA AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL SUPPRESSION 3565. SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has maintained or compiled data on incidents or cases of transnational repression, harassment or intimidation reported by members of the Indian diaspora to Indian missions or other authorities abroad, country-wise and if so, the details thereof; (b) the mechanisms currently in place for assisting and protecting Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin who face such challenges in foreign jurisdictions; 1(c) the broader vision and strategy of Government to further strengthen institutional protections and empower diaspora communities, including measures for enhancing their safety, grievance redressal and diplomatic engagement; and (d) whether the Government proposes to establish dedicated frameworks or coordination mechanisms with host countries to address and prevent incidents of transnational suppression or targeted coercion against members of the Indian diaspora, if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA) (a to d) Members of the diaspora report from time to time harassment or intimidation by separatists and other anti-Indian elements aborad. These are brought to the attention of local governments by our Embassies and Consulates. The safety and security of the Indian diaspora is one of the foremost priorities of the Government of India. Indian Missions/Posts encourage 2and advise the Indian diaspora in their jurisdictions to register with them and also to lodge their grievances on the MADAD Portal and CPGRAMS of this Ministry. The grievances of the Indian diaspora members are responded to almost on a real time basis through telephone calls, walk-ins, emails, social media, 24x7 emergency helplines, Consular Camps, Open Houses, the MADAD Portal and CPGRAMS. Indian Missions/Posts abroad also proactively reach out to distressed Indian nationals, either directly or through the local Indian Diaspora Associations within their jurisdiction and provide them all possible consular services, including legal assistance, emergency medical care and boarding/ lodging, whenever required. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has also been set up in Indian Missions/ Posts abroad for assisting overseas Indian nationals in distress. Under the ICWF, distressed Indian diaspora is extended counselling and other forms of assistance on a means-tested basis. It is also extended for transportation of mortal remains of Indian diaspora overseas to India. 3Indian Missions and Posts abroad, particularly in countries where there is political instability or economic crisis, remain vigilant and closely monitor any development that may adversely affect the Indian diaspora in such regions. From time to time, they issue advisories as required by developments in their respective countries of jurisdiction to caution Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary travel, remain in touch with them through published helpline numbers and follow safety guidelines and protocols issued by local authorities. Any unfortunate incident or challenges faced by members of the Indian diaspora community are immediately taken up with the concerned authorities of the host country to suitably resolve them. Such issues are also raised during meetings with Government officials of the concerned countries, including at the highest levels, as appropriate. During emergencies or crisis situations in countries affected by political instability or economic crisis, Indian Missions/Posts help distressed/stranded Indians by providing them food, shelter, medicines and evacuate them to India, if necessary. Notable recent evacuation operations undertaken by the Government of India include Vande 4Bharat, Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel) and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran). These efforts demonstrate the Government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian diaspora in foreign lands. Indian Missions/Posts remain vigilant and closely monitor any untoward incidents affecting Indian nationals abroad. Such incidents are immediately taken up with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that the cases are properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished as per their domestic laws. These issues are also raised at the political and official level with the countries concerned during bilateral engagements and through institutional dialogue mechanisms, including at the highest levels as appropriate. ***** 5