Indian nationals face racial attacks in UK, US, Canada: Ministry

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of External Affairs admitted on Thursday that Indian nationals or individuals of Indian origin had faced attacks in the UK, the US and Canada in the recent few years. It added that most of these attacks appeared to be racially motivated, IANS reported.

V Muraleedharan from the MEA informed said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, "According to media reports and inputs, there have been instances of attacks in the US, UK and Canada in the last few years. Some of these attacks appear to be racially motivated. The safety and well-being of Indian nationals in foreign countries are the top priority for the government. Indian missions and consulates in the US, UK and Canada are constantly engaged with the local governments and the Indian community, including on measures to ensure their safety and well-being."

He said, "… our missions and consulates in these countries have a 24-hour emergency number mentioned on their websites through which distressed Indian nationals can contact the mission/post".

"Indian nationals are encouraged to register with the Mission or Consulate or the MADAD portal (www.madad.gov.in) so that they can be contacted in case of any emergency. Advisories are issued for Indian nationals from time to time, asking them to exercise due caution and remain vigilant," said the minister.