India has issued a demarche on USA following detention of several Indian students studying in America

India has issued a demarche on USA following detention of several Indian students studying in America.

The government on Saturday stated that it continues to closely monitor and take proactive measures to address the situation arising out of the detention of several Indian students in connection with their enrollment in a fraudulent university in the United States.

A demarche was made to the Embassy of the United States here by the Ministry of External Affairs. "Our concern over the dignity and well-being of the detained students and the need for immediate consular access for Indian officials to the detainees was reiterated. We underlined that students, who may have been duped into enrolling in the ‘University’ should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them. We have urged the U.S. side to share full details and regular updates of the students with the Government, to release them from detention at the earliest and not to resort to deportation against their will," MEA informed in a statement.


"Our Mission and Consulates have visited several detention centres throughout the U.S. to extend consular assistance to detained students. So far, about 30 Indian students have been contacted by our consular officers. Efforts to contact the remaining Indian students are continuing. Our Mission and Consulates have been in touch with the representatives of the Indian community and their associations to gather more information about detainees," informed MEA.

"A 24/7 helpline has been established in our Embassy in Washington D.C. for assistance/queries related to the detention of Indian students. Telephone numbers are +1-202-322-1190 and +1-202-340-2590 and email:cons3.washington@mea.gov.in. For those seeking legal help, guidance and assistance is being provided by our Mission and Consulates. Assistance from the Indian community has also been mobilized to provide provide legal support to those who seek."

"Government of India and the Indian Embassy and Consulates in the United States attach the highest priority to the welfare of the detained students and will continue to work with the U.S. authorities and other stakeholders to address the issue," stressed MEA.

A US Embassy spokesperson in Delhi said, "We can confirm that the Embassy received a Demarche from the Ministry of External Affairs about the Indian citizens detained in the United States this week. We refer you to the Department of Homeland Security in the United States for information on their status."