What is the current trend in deaths of Indian citizens abroad?

The Indian government reports no significant increase in deaths involving citizens living or working abroad in recent years.

How long does it take to repatriate mortal remains to India?

Repatriation timelines vary by country, depending on local laws, cause of death, and distance from India.

Does the Indian government assist with repatriation of mortal remains?

Yes, the government prioritizes issues affecting Indians overseas, including the repatriation of mortal remains.

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Deaths Abroad: Repatriation Numbers Stable, Says Govt

12 Dec

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Summary

No significant increase in deaths of Indians abroad reported.
Nearly 6,000 mortal remains were transported to India this year.
Repatriation timelines vary greatly by country and circumstances.

Deaths Abroad: Repatriation Numbers Stable, Says Govt

The Indian government has assured Parliament that the number of deaths involving its citizens residing or working overseas has not seen a significant rise in recent times. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared this update, noting that as of October this year, 5,897 mortal remains were transported back to India.

Yearly data since 2016 indicates a consistent number of repatriations, with figures ranging from 4,167 in 2016 to 7,096 in 2024. The minister highlighted the government's priority in assisting Indian nationals abroad, offering support for death-related issues including local cremation or burial arrangements and the repatriation of mortal remains.

Regarding the timeline for repatriation, Minister Jaishankar explained that it is not fixed and depends heavily on the specific circumstances of each case. Factors such as the cause of death, local regulations, geographical distance, and the presence of next of kin influence the duration, with natural deaths generally quicker to process than unnatural ones.