In recent years, the US has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education. However, a tragic incident involving an Indian-American student named Ishika Thakore who went missing in Frisco has brought attention to the safety concerns of Indian students studying in the country. Thakore disappeared on Monday and the Frisco police issued a public alert seeking assistance in locating her. Fortunately, she was found safe and sound, bringing relief to her family and friends.
This incident comes amidst a series of tragic deaths involving Indian-origin students in the US. Just this week, a 25-year-old student from Hyderabad studying at Cleveland State University was found dead. Mohammed Abdul Arfath had been missing for several weeks, highlighting the alarming trend of Indian students losing their lives in the United States. The Indian consulate has been providing support to Arfath’s family during this difficult time.
Since the beginning of 2024, there have been 11 reported deaths of Indian or Indian-origin students in the US. Despite these incidents, the US remains a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, with over 2.6 lakh students migrating to the country in the 2022-2023 academic session, a 35% increase from the previous year. The safety and well-being of Indian students studying in the US continue to be a matter of concern for both Indian authorities and the local community.
