Spike in deaths of Indian nationals in Canada raises concern
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, August 9, 2025 — The Government of India has shared startling figures in Parliament, revealing that 1,203 Indian citizens died in Canada between 2020 and 2024.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh presented the data in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
According to official records, most deaths were due to natural causes such as old age and illnesses.However, several were attributed to non-natural causes, including accidents, suicides, violence, and homicide.
The year-wise breakdown is as follows:
- 2020: 120 deaths
- 2021: 160 deaths
- 2022: 198 deaths
- 2023: 336 deaths
- 2024 (so far): 389 deaths
Singh further informed that during this period, the Ministry of External Affairs facilitated the repatriation of mortal remains or ashes of 757 Indian citizens from Canada.
He stressed that the government prioritises the return of mortal remains of Indians who die abroad and has laid out Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure timely assistance, including funeral arrangements and help with insurance claims.