Nepal Urges Better Safety Measures for Students Abroad

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has emphasized the need for a database of Nepali students studying abroad to ensure their safety and timely assistance in emergencies. She pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often learns about Nepalis facing difficulties only when they seek help, highlighting a lack of manpower for immediate response.

Her remarks comes after of the recent death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India. The Nepali government took swift diplomatic action, engaging with Indian authorities to demand an impartial investigation and legal action. The Odisha government has since formed a high-level committee to ensure justice.

Minister Rana also stated that KIIT has apologized, reinstated students in hostels, and taken action against staff involved in mistreatment. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry and its embassy in New Delhi continue to coordinate with Indian authorities on the matter.

Rana returned to Nepal on Thursday after attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, where she represented Nepal and spoke on the theme “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.”