Amid recent concerns over the safety of Indian students in the United States, as highlighted by Khalsa Vox, Ambassador Eric Garcetti emphasized the country’s commitment to their well-being in a recent interview Addressing the distressing reports of Indian and Indian-origin student fatalities since January, Garcetti assured parents that “their children are our children” while they are in the U.S.
The U.S. remains a top destination for Indian students seeking higher education. However, the recent incidents have sparked anxiety within the Indo-American community. Despite these concerns, Garcetti reassured that the U.S. is a safe country, rich with resources aimed at helping students navigate life abroad.
“We care so deeply for the wellbeing of Indian students in the U.S.,” said Garcetti. He highlighted the availability of mental health resources and other supports designed to help students cope with being far from home. The ambassador also stressed the importance of students familiarizing themselves with their new environment and reaching out to campus security and local law enforcement when needed.
Drawing on his own experiences as a student in New York City during the 1980s, Garcetti recounted how adhering to safety advice from campus security helped him navigate a more dangerous era. “Now, in 2024, we have so many more resources than when I was a student,” he added.
Garcetti’s comments came during a pre-departure orientation at the American Centre for Indian students bound for U.S. universities this fall, including prestigious institutions like Purdue University, University of Virginia, and Cornell University. He engaged with the students, urging them to make the most of their time in the U.S. and to utilize the resources available to them.
The ambassador’s reassurances follow the tragic news of Uma Satya Sai Gadde, a 25-year-old Indian student who was found dead in Cleveland this month, and Sameer Kamath, a 23-year-old Indian-American student, who died in Indiana in February. While these incidents have raised alarms, Garcetti pointed out that such occurrences are statistically possible with the growing number of Indian students in the U.S.—over 140,000 student visas were issued last year alone.
Garcetti also mentioned that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed there is no evidence of targeted violence against Indian students. The focus remains on equipping students with the knowledge and resources to ensure their safety and enrich their educational experience in the United States.
As families prepare to send their students abroad, the U.S. continues to position itself as a nurturing and secure environment for international scholars, aiming to enrich their academic and personal growth while abroad.
