New Delhi : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wed- nesday India has raised the recent incidents of violence with Indian citizens in the US at the highest level and assured that the government will ensure safety of diaspora.
The minister was making a statement in the Lok Sabha, where she made an appearance for the first time since her kidney transplant surgery.
The minister assured the House that the government was giving highest priority to the safety of Indian diaspora.
“Safety and security of Indian diaspora abroad remains a top priority for this government. We are in a continuous dialogue with the US government. Close contacts with the local Indian community groups are being maintained through our embassy and consulates to address any emergent issues.
“We will remain vigilant to developments impacting the lives of Indians abroad and do everything possible to safeguard their interests and welfare,” Swaraj said.
The minister’s response came a week after the Lok Sabha members raised concern over hate crimes against Indians in the US.
The members were voicing concern over the killing of Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla in Kansas on February 22 in an apparent hate crime, and of another Indian Harnish Patel a week later.
A Sikh man, Deep Rai, an American citizen, was fired at in a racial attack last week, and is out of danger now.
“In all three cases, the government, through its embassy and consulates, immediately reached out to the affected persons and their families for extending all possible help and support. I have personally spoken to the families of Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Deep Rai,” Swaraj said.
“The government has taken up this issue with the US government at very high levels and conveyed our deep concerns. We have called for necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Indian diaspora and expeditious investigation into these incidents.” IANS
