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The Hindu
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
For Karnataka students, the grass is still greener overseas
In September 2021, Nikitha Rajesh, a student from Bengaluru, flew to London to pursue her long-standing dream of a foreign education. After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Bengaluru and gaining two years of work experience, she secured admission to a master's programme in Digital Marketing and Analytics in a private university in the United Kingdom (UK). By the time she finished the one-year programme, the immigration laws of the U.K. had changed, leaving her with no sponsors for a work visa. Cut to 2025, she is back in Bengaluru and working in a private company after her job prospects in the U.K. did not work out. When a war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, around 18,000 people from India were escorted back to the country by the Union government under 'Operation Ganga'. A majority of them were students who were pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Among the returnees was Mahaganapathi Kashinath from Karnataka. After attempts to continue his education in India failed, he went to Uzbekistan to finish his medical course. Recently, in June 2025, under 'Operation Sindhu', the government brought back over 3,500 people from Iran after tensions escalated between the country and Israel. Among these were also a few students from Karnataka who were pursuing medical education there. Be it geopolitical tensions, new immigration laws, visa troubles or non-availability of jobs, many students who had gone to countries such as the United States of America, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, the U.K. and those in Central Asia from Karnataka have returned in the last couple of years. While uncertainty loomed over many of their futures, some have managed to bring their studies and careers back on track after either flying to other countries to complete their education or deciding to find jobs in India. Ukraine to other countries For the students who were in Ukraine, returning home was a necessity as their safety was not guaranteed in the war-torn country any more. But once they were back home, they were not sure if they would be able to continue their education. Most of them ended up transferring to universities in one of the 29 countries under the Academic Mobility Programme initiated by the Ukrainian government after the National Medical Council issued a 'no-objection' to it. However, this one-time opportunity was available only for the final-year medical students. Luckily, Mahaganapathi was in his final year of MBBS. 'When my son returned from Ukraine, he attended online classes for six months. All of us, parents, tried so much to get the Indian government to admit our students to a medical college here. But it was in vain. He had no choice but to go to Uzbekistan to finish his course, just like 90% of the students from his class. While we were relieved that he got to finish his education, we were a little disappointed as he had to repeat a semester after going to Uzbekistan, as they did not validate the semester that was conducted online,' said his father, Kashinath Bilimaggad from Gadag district in north Karnataka. Mahaganapathi hopes to return to India for his post-graduation studies and find work here, according to his father. For the students who returned from Ukraine, countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines became alternative options for their education. Educational counsellors reported that most of their clients ended up going to one of these countries to finish their medical degrees, even if they had to seek fresh admissions. Many of them had initially gone to Ukraine as one lakh medical seats in India that become available every year are nowhere close to the demand. Similar stories are narrated by students who have returned from Iran. Syeda Muffarhe Zainab was pursuing her final year MBBS at a university in Tehran when the war broke out. Now, back in her home town in Chickballapur district in south Karnataka, she is hoping to return to Iran. 'I am constantly in touch with the university, and they have said we might be able to go back by August 20. But if God forbid something happens and we cannot make it back there, then I would like to request the government to provide us with some seats here as we are almost finished with our course,' she says. Immigration troubles in the U.K. Most students go abroad seeking exposure that they believe they cannot find in India, especially when they go to countries such as the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. 'I went to the U.K. to get a more universal educational experience where I get to learn with people of many nationalities and experts,' says Nikitha. When she initially went there, her plan was to find a job and settle down in the U.K. However, when she was about to finish her degree, a new immigration policy — which mandated a £37,000 income to get a sponsored work visa — came into force. With her two years of experience in India and some short-term gigs in the U.K., she did not qualify for a sponsorship from companies there. 'No matter what skills you have, it all comes down to whether you need a visa to work in the U.K. If you need a visa, then the job interview would not move forward from there. While I could buy a work visa for the first two years after I finished my education, after that period, a company would need to sponsor it. I applied for hundreds of jobs, but because of the visa constraint, I had to move back home,' she says. She says that many of her Indian peers who were insistent on staying back in the U.K. changed their job sectors/industries just to get a work visa sponsorship. Repaying educational loans For students affected by such immigration policies, returning home is the only option, but jobs here would not pay them as much as in foreign countries. This particularly becomes a problem for students who have taken educational loans. 'I knew almost six months prior that I would not get a visa extension, even though I had already worked for two years in the U.K. after finishing my studies. Hence, I started saving up by cutting down on my expenses as I knew I had to pay my monthly loan instalments once I was back home, even if I did not have a job or got a job that might not pay very well. It has been three months since I returned, and I have been applying for jobs in Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, as it is difficult to pay back my loan on an Indian salary,' says Akash Venkateshan, who pursued a Master of Science degree in the U.K. The demand for higher education in the U.S. has slightly reduced now, especially after the Donald Trump administration announced that the social media accounts of college applicants will be checked for background verification. 'This announcement has forced a lot of students to clean up their digital footprint, as some fear has gripped them. It has also taken the U.S. out as an option for students who are outspoken or are activists and do not wish to provide access to their social media accounts,' says Ameen-e-Mudassar, international career counsellor. Some students who originally preferred the U.S. for their education are now considering options such as Germany, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, while Canada, which was the other preferred destination, has also lost demand now, owing to its diplomatic clashes with India. Rahul Subramaniam, co-founder of an educational consultancy, says that students who have already secured admission to top U.S. colleges remain committed to their paths. 'For them, the academic and professional opportunities they are accessing far outweigh the usual ups and downs of American politics,' he says. Why foreign education? Despite recent events and tensions, the demand for foreign education is on the rise among Bengaluru students, according to educational counsellors as well as data from the government. While there were 1.3 million students pursuing higher education abroad in 2024, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, the latest numbers are close to 1.8 million. Many of them have changed their destinations, but their dreams remain the same. 'The market is still booming for MBBS education abroad,' notes Ameen. 'Countries like Uzbekistan and Georgia are selling the dream of becoming a doctor at a cost of ₹25 lakh to ₹30 lakh. Even after so many wars, not much has changed in this regard. This is just a matter of selling an acre of land to make their children doctors, especially for rural students,' Ameen says. He adds that Central Asian countries depend on students from India for their economic boost. While some of these MBBS students practise medicine in those countries after finishing their course, others struggle to find employment. Counsellors say that some of them end up as agents to bring in more students to the universities and work on a commission basis. Are students so desperate for education abroad due to the lack of quality education in India? Not entirely, according to experts. 'Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and many private universities offer good quality education in India. But today's youngsters are interested in exploring the world. Their priorities are different as they do not care about generational wealth and would want to build something on their own, and they view education abroad as a gateway to that,' Ameen says. Counsellors and consultants say that foreign colleges and universities sell their programmes better than those in India. 'They have good tie-ups with agents and push their colleges in ways that Indian universities do not. Top-tier colleges in India also look for knowledge and skills while for many foreign countries, it is about the money Indian students bring,' he says. Another driving factor is the advent of social media. 'If one person from a family moves abroad for education, the number of stories they put up on social media inspires other youngsters to pursue education abroad,' he says. (Edited by Giridhar Narayan)
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
From Rescue to Reintegration: Rethinking India's Diaspora Policy
Last Updated: India's people are its greatest asset. Whether they leave by choice or necessity, and whether they return in hope or despair, they deserve more than rescue India's repeated evacuation efforts reflect a maturing foreign policy, but they also reveal systemic blind spots in migration governance. In recent years, India has conducted several high-profile evacuation missions to rescue its citizens stranded in war-torn or crisis-hit countries. From Operation Ganga in Ukraine to Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and more recently, efforts in Israel and Gaza amid conflict, these missions have drawn praise for their speed and coordination. However, they also raise deeper questions: Why are so many Indians regularly caught in the crosshairs of global conflicts? What compels them to be there in such large numbers — and why is their return always reactive, not planned? From students and professionals to migrant labourers, India's citizens abroad are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical instability. It is time India evolves from a rescue-centric mindset to a strategy of long-term engagement, reintegration, and risk mitigation. The Indian diaspora is among the largest in the world — over 18 million strong. But it is far from homogenous. While much attention is paid to high-skilled NRIs in the US or UK, a large portion of Indians abroad are low- or semi-skilled workers in the Gulf, West Asia, and Africa. Another growing cohort includes Indian students in countries like Ukraine, China, Russia, and smaller Eastern European nations drawn by more affordable medical education. These groups are often the most vulnerable. They live and work in politically volatile regions, lack robust legal protections, and are sometimes under informal or exploitative contracts. When crises erupt — be it war, civil unrest, or natural disaster — they find themselves with little safety net. Yet the scale of that return has largely been forgotten in policymaking circles. No comprehensive national framework emerged for their reintegration, skill mapping, or future redeployment. Most simply disappeared back into informal economies or sought to leave again once restrictions were lifted. Policy Needs to Move Beyond Symbolism Mapping Vulnerable Citizens Abroad: A real-time, dynamic database of Indians abroad — especially workers and students in conflict-prone regions — must be created and maintained by embassies in coordination with the MEA and the Ministry of Labour. Institutionalise Returnee Support: Many returnees — especially during Covid or from war zones — come back with trauma, debt, and few job prospects. A national reintegration scheme should include psycho-social support, job matching, upskilling, and short-term income support. Strengthen Bilateral Labour Agreements: Much of India's labour migration happens via informal channels. India must urgently expand formal labour mobility partnerships that include insurance, safety guarantees, and exit provisions during emergencies. Protect Indian Students Abroad: Affordable education should not mean unsafe education. India must scrutinize the quality and safety of institutions abroad. Embassies should proactively engage on issues such as housing, curriculum, and student wellbeing. Diaspora Policy That Includes the Vulnerable: India's diaspora engagement often celebrates high-net-worth individuals and global CEOs. But the real face of the diaspora includes nurses in Israel, masons in Dubai, students in Kharkiv, and drivers in Lebanon. Our policy must reflect this diversity. Launch Mission Samarth: India must move from reactive rescue operations to a long-term strategy of migration governance. A national-level initiative — Mission Samarth — could be launched to attract, retain, and reintegrate skilled Indian professionals abroad. Modelled after Startup India or Skill India, this mission should be steered by a multi-ministerial task force under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Its components may include: One-Stop Portal for Returnees: A digital platform to streamline credential recognition, job matching, tax clarity, and housing assistance — reducing bureaucratic and logistical friction. Reverse Talent Fellowships: Structured, funded programs to bring back Indian-origin scientists, researchers, and policy professionals for 3–5 years in academia or public systems. Global Mobility Taskforce: A coordinated effort involving MEA, Labour, Education, state governments, and Indian missions abroad to institutionalise protections, skill portability, and crisis preparedness. Inclusion of Experts from Outside Government: The mission should involve experts from civil society, academia, diaspora networks, and retired senior civil servants to ensure innovation and credibility. Reintegration is Nation-Building When lakhs of Indians return home due to crisis, they bring with them not just hardship but also skills, global exposure, and aspirations. Ignoring them is a loss not only to them but to India's development story. Reintegration is not welfare — it is nation-building. A Call for Coordinated Governance Migration policy must move beyond the silos of the Ministry of External Affairs or Labour. A high-level inter-ministerial task force — possibly anchored in NITI Aayog — should develop an integrated migration and reintegration strategy, in partnership with states, industries, and civil society. Conclusion top videos View all Every time a conflict breaks out, India scrambles to bring its people home. But between those headlines lie deeper systemic issues — unregulated migration, lack of support for returnees, and a policy blind spot that treats them as temporary guests rather than long-term contributors. India's people are its greatest asset. Whether they leave by choice or necessity, and whether they return in hope or despair, they deserve more than rescue — they deserve respect, reintegration, and recognition. Dhiraj Kumar Srivastava is a former civil servant, He has served as Resident Commissioner, Bikaner House, and as Secretary to the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, under PMO. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments First Published: June 24, 2025, 16:35 IST News opinion Opinion | From Rescue to Reintegration: Rethinking India's Diaspora Policy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jammu and Kashmir Students Association writes to PM Modi and EAM S Jaishankar, expresses gratitude for safe evacuation from Iran
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Students Association JKSA )wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar , on Saturday, expressing gratitude for the evacuation of 1,300 Kashmiri students from conflict-hit Iran JKSA wrote, "We, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, on behalf of thousands of relieved and grateful families across the Kashmir Valley, extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you and your government for the swift, decisive, and compassionate evacuation of over 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families from the Islamic Republic of Iran, amid the rapidly escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel.""This intervention brought immense relief, joy, and emotional solace to the families who had spent countless sleepless nights, consumed by fear and uncertainty regarding the safety of their children. The students were terrified, traumatised, and in extremely vulnerable positions. Their families were in deep distress, pleading for help and the safe return of their wards. These students, trapped in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Qom, Gilan, Tabriz, Yazd, and Ahvaz, endured severe psychological distress amid active conflict zones. The safe return of these students to their homeland, and into the arms of their anxious and long-waiting families especially in Jammu and Kashmir brought an end to days of fear and uncertainty, offering much-needed emotional peace and relief," the letter Students Association said that the attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences left two Kashmiri students injured. Still, students were immediately relocated after the matter was brought to the attention of the MEA."Sir, your government's timely intervention came at a moment when hope was beginning to fade. While citizens of other nations were left to face the risks on their own, without support or assistance, Indian students remained under constant threat. The attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, which left two Kashmiri students injured, highlighted the grave danger they were facing. After we raised the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs , the students were immediately relocated to safer locations and provided due care. Following your personal and governmental intervention, they were finally evacuated on 19 special flights under Operation Ganga and returned safely to their respective native places in Kashmir. Your response to our urgent appeals ensured that their suffering did not go unheard," the Association gratitude, the Students Association added, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your prompt and effective intervention in facilitating the safe evacuation of our students. The timely and coordinated efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under your leadership and guidance, ensured that all 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families were safely brought back to India and reunited with their families.""The prompt assistance provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) brought tremendous relief to the frightened and anxious families across the Valley. The care and priority given to the safety of Kashmiri students from the initial response to the final leg of their journey was nothing short of exemplary. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had written to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, who took up the matter immediately from day one, as soon as the escalation began. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy remained in constant touch with us from the very first day the conflict and escalation began between Iran and Israel. Your swift response and prioritisation of the students' safety led to their successful and timely evacuation," the letter students thanked the Indian Embassy in Iran for ground-level coordination and communication."We are also deeply thankful for the crucial role played by the Indian Embassy in Iran as well. Their on-ground coordination, efficient handling of documentation, and sensitive communication with the students and their institutions were pivotal in ensuring their safety. The coordinated travel arrangements to border crossings, relocations to safer zones like Mashad, Qom, Ramsar, and Armenia, and final airlifts to India via Mashad and Yerevan were masterfully executed," the students added that the students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted."Students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted swiftly, thanks to your direct intervention. The MEA's sensitive and efficient handling of such challenges ensured no student was left behind," the letter further the communication efforts, the student body added, "The setting up of emergency helplines, creation of WhatsApp and Telegram-based crisis communication channels, and direct embassy-student coordination were all hallmarks of a humane, efficient, and responsive evacuation process. These measures must be acknowledged as a benchmark in citizen protection and evacuation diplomacy.""Sir, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association recognises that this evacuation was more than a logistical exercise; it was a deeply humanitarian act rooted in national duty and compassion. Your leadership sent a clear message to every Kashmiri household that; their children matter, their lives are valued, and the Indian government stands resolutely by its citizens, regardless of geography or adversity," the students wrote."This act of care and timely intervention has not only saved lives but has renewed faith in the protective embrace of the Indian government especially among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom have long yearned for such responsive and inclusive governance," the letter Association also noted the Centre's efforts in evacuating during conflicts across the and Kashmir Students Association wrote, "This is not the first instance of the Government of India standing firmly for its citizens. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Bangladesh reservation crisis, the Afghanistan-U.S. war, and the Syrian unrest, your government's efforts ensured the safety and return of thousands of Indian citizens, many of them from Jammu and Kashmir.""Such actions reflect the Government of India's, the Ministry of External Affairs', and the Indian Embassy's consistent dedication to ensuring the safety, dignity, and even religious aspirations of Indian citizens, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir. The PMO and MEA's commitment has been a beacon of hope and reassurance to distressed families in the most turbulent times," the letter on Wednesday night, a special flight carrying 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese citizens stranded in conflict-hit Iran's Mashhad landed safely in New Delhi, taking the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 3,426. Evacuees thanked the Iranian and Indian governments for evacuating them from conflict-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu.
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
JKSA writes to PM Modi and EAM S Jaishankar, expresses gratitude for safe evacuation from Iran
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA)wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Saturday, expressing gratitude for the evacuation of 1,300 Kashmiri students from conflict-hit Iran. JKSA wrote, 'We, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, on behalf of thousands of relieved and grateful families across the Kashmir Valley, extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you and your government for the swift, decisive, and compassionate evacuation of over 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families from the Islamic Republic of Iran, amid the rapidly escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel.' 'This intervention brought immense relief, joy, and emotional solace to the families who had spent countless sleepless nights, consumed by fear and uncertainty regarding the safety of their children. The students were terrified, traumatised, and in extremely vulnerable positions. Their families were in deep distress, pleading for help and the safe return of their wards. These students, trapped in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Qom, Gilan, Tabriz, Yazd, and Ahvaz, endured severe psychological distress amid active conflict zones. The safe return of these students to their homeland, and into the arms of their anxious and long-waiting families especially in Jammu and Kashmir brought an end to days of fear and uncertainty, offering much-needed emotional peace and relief,' the letter read. The Students Association said that the attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences left two Kashmiri students injured. Still, students were immediately relocated after the matter was brought to the attention of the MEA. 'Sir, your government's timely intervention came at a moment when hope was beginning to fade. While citizens of other nations were left to face the risks on their own, without support or assistance, Indian students remained under constant threat. The attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, which left two Kashmiri students injured, highlighted the grave danger they were facing. After we raised the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, the students were immediately relocated to safer locations and provided due care. Following your personal and governmental intervention, they were finally evacuated on 19 special flights under Operation Ganga and returned safely to their respective native places in Kashmir. Your response to our urgent appeals ensured that their suffering did not go unheard,' the Association wrote. Expressing gratitude, the Students Association added, 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your prompt and effective intervention in facilitating the safe evacuation of our students. The timely and coordinated efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under your leadership and guidance, ensured that all 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families were safely brought back to India and reunited with their families.' 'The prompt assistance provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) brought tremendous relief to the frightened and anxious families across the Valley. The care and priority given to the safety of Kashmiri students from the initial response to the final leg of their journey was nothing short of exemplary. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had written to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, who took up the matter immediately from day one, as soon as the escalation began. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy remained in constant touch with us from the very first day the conflict and escalation began between Iran and Israel. Your swift response and prioritisation of the students' safety led to their successful and timely evacuation,' the letter read. The students thanked the Indian Embassy in Iran for ground-level coordination and communication. 'We are also deeply thankful for the crucial role played by the Indian Embassy in Iran as well. Their on-ground coordination, efficient handling of documentation, and sensitive communication with the students and their institutions were pivotal in ensuring their safety. The coordinated travel arrangements to border crossings, relocations to safer zones like Mashad, Qom, Ramsar, and Armenia, and final airlifts to India via Mashad and Yerevan were masterfully executed,' the students wrote. They added that the students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted. 'Students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted swiftly, thanks to your direct intervention. The MEA's sensitive and efficient handling of such challenges ensured no student was left behind,' the letter further read. Lauding the communication efforts, the student body added, 'The setting up of emergency helplines, creation of WhatsApp and Telegram-based crisis communication channels, and direct embassy-student coordination were all hallmarks of a humane, efficient, and responsive evacuation process. These measures must be acknowledged as a benchmark in citizen protection and evacuation diplomacy.' 'Sir, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association recognises that this evacuation was more than a logistical exercise; it was a deeply humanitarian act rooted in national duty and compassion. Your leadership sent a clear message to every Kashmiri household that; their children matter, their lives are valued, and the Indian government stands resolutely by its citizens, regardless of geography or adversity,' the students wrote. 'This act of care and timely intervention has not only saved lives but has renewed faith in the protective embrace of the Indian government especially among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom have long yearned for such responsive and inclusive governance,' the letter added. The Association also noted the Centre's efforts in evacuating during conflicts across the globe. Jammu and Kashmir Students Association wrote, 'This is not the first instance of the Government of India standing firmly for its citizens. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Bangladesh reservation crisis, the Afghanistan-U.S. war, and the Syrian unrest, your government's efforts ensured the safety and return of thousands of Indian citizens, many of them from Jammu and Kashmir.' 'Such actions reflect the Government of India's, the Ministry of External Affairs', and the Indian Embassy's consistent dedication to ensuring the safety, dignity, and even religious aspirations of Indian citizens, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir. The PMO and MEA's commitment has been a beacon of hope and reassurance to distressed families in the most turbulent times,' the letter read. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, a special flight carrying 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese citizens stranded in conflict-hit Iran's Mashhad landed safely in New Delhi, taking the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 3,426. Evacuees thanked the Iranian and Indian governments for evacuating them from conflict-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu. (ANI)
Deccan Herald
23-06-2025
- General
- Deccan Herald
Operation Sindhu: Hundreds of Indians evacuated from Iran-Israel amid conflict
Operation Sindhu joins the ranks of previous high-profile evacuation missions such as Operation Ganga, Operation Devi Shakti, Operation Kaveri, and Operation Ajay, which successfully brought home Indians from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Israel, respectively. |
