The recent death of Tanya Tyagi, an Indian student at the University of Calgary in Canada, has cast a somber shadow over the Indian student community abroad. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver confirmed her passing on Thursday, June 19, 2025, expressing their condolences and assuring assistance to the bereaved family. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, adding to the growing anxiety regarding the safety and well-being of Indian students pursuing education overseas.
Tyagi's death is the latest in a string of similar incidents that have occurred in Canada within the past three months. In April, another Indian student, Vanshika, was found dead in Ottawa under mysterious circumstances after being missing for four days. Also in April, Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old student at Mohawk College, was fatally struck by a stray bullet in Hamilton, Ontario, during a shooting incident. These incidents, coupled with other reports of assaults and hate crimes, have triggered widespread concern and prompted calls for increased safety measures.
While Canadian authorities are investigating Tyagi's death, details remain scarce. Unverified reports circulating on social media suggest she may have died of a heart attack, but official confirmation is still pending. The Indian Consulate is working closely with Canadian authorities to provide support to Tyagi's family and to ascertain the facts surrounding her death.
The increasing number of deaths and reported incidents targeting Indian students in Canada has prompted the Indian government to issue advisories urging students to exercise caution and remain vigilant. In the past five years, over 600 Indian students have died abroad, with Canada accounting for the highest number of fatalities. These statistics highlight the vulnerabilities faced by Indian students who leave their home country to pursue educational opportunities.
Several factors contribute to the risks faced by Indian students in Canada. Many students work late hours in vulnerable jobs or rely on public transportation, making them potential targets for crime. Some students also face mental health challenges, homesickness, and difficulties adjusting to a new culture, which can further compromise their safety and well-being. There are also concerns about hate crimes and the influence of extremist elements, which can create a hostile environment for international students.
In response to these concerns, the Indian government has engaged with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian students. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has described the incidents as "terrible tragedies" and has raised the issue with Canadian officials, urging them to take proactive measures to protect Indian nationals. Indian embassies and consulates in Canada are also actively monitoring these incidents and providing assistance to students in need.
Canada remains a popular destination for Indian students seeking quality education and international exposure. However, the recent spate of deaths has raised serious questions about the safety and support systems available to these students. It is imperative that both Indian and Canadian authorities work together to address these concerns and ensure that Indian students can pursue their academic goals in a safe and secure environment. This includes enhanced security measures, increased awareness of potential risks, and improved support services for students struggling with mental health or integration issues. Host countries need to ensure that local communities hosting large numbers of students are adequately sensitized to prevent racism and violence against them.
