Attacks against Indians abroad has been steadily increasing according to the ministry of overseas Indian affairs. Over the past few years they have faced increasing incidents of violence, leaving them either seriously injured, or dead.
According to figures submitted in Parliament by the minister for overseas Indian affairs, Vyalar Ravi, 160 Indians were either killed or injured in attacks abroad. This is a massive 78% jump from 2009.
“Indian nationals abroad are warned by post to maintain caution and be vigilant in their general activities to avoid untoward incidents. Consulate offcials are sent to the place of incident to liaise with local authorities, the Indian community, and render all possible assistance,” Ravi told Parliament last week.
Indians in Australia have faced the worst attacks which have jumped up significantly since 2009. In 2008 11
Indians were either killed or injured. This jumped up almost five fold to 52 Indians the next year and now a record 103 attacks in 2010.
“The issue of attacks on Indians in Australia has been taken up at the highest level by the Government of India. At the ministerial level as well as through the High Commission and its consulates in Australia. It has been conveyed to the Australian government that it was their responsibility to ensure the well being and security of all Indians in Australia,” Ravi said.
The external affairs ministry has also stepped in and asked the “Indian high commissioner and consul general in Australia to remain in regular touch with the Australian authorities to protect Indians.
Philippines is also a major worry for the New Delhi as statistics show 27 Indians were either killed or injured in 2008; 31 in 2009, and 30 in 2010.