The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday informed Parliament that between 2016 and 2025, the mortal remains of 54,511 Indian nationals were repatriated to India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided the data while responding to a Lok Sabha query regarding the procedures, delays, and challenges faced in bringing back the bodies of citizens living or working abroad. The government clarified that there has been no significant increase in deaths of Indian nationals overseas during this period.

According to the data shared in the House, the number of mortal remains brought back annually ranged from 4,167 in 2016 to 5,897 in 2025 (till October). The figures showed gradual growth over the years, with peaks in 2024 when 7,096 repatriations were completed. This reflects the MEA’s sustained efforts to facilitate timely and dignified return of deceased Indians from various countries.

The MEA highlighted that Indian Missions follow a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to assist families, coordinate with local authorities, and ensure compliance with host-country laws. However, the government emphasized that repatriation timelines cannot be fixed, as processing depends on factors such as the cause of death, documentation, next-of-kin consent, and local regulations.

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While natural deaths typically take three to fourteen days for repatriation, unnatural deaths often face additional delays due to police investigations, autopsies, or identity verification. In some instances, DNA profiling has been required to establish identity. Families also face challenges including high transport costs, delays in obtaining police or medical reports, and unclear documentation requirements.

To address these concerns, Indian Missions have been instructed to prioritize repatriation cases and issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) even on holidays. Dedicated 24/7 consular helplines are available to provide immediate assistance. Additionally, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) supports economically weaker families who may be unable to bear the costs of transportation.

Every Indian Mission, the MEA stated, is adequately staffed with consular officers to handle emergency cases and coordinate with airlines and local authorities to expedite the process. These measures are part of India’s broader commitment to ensure dignity, care, and timely support for citizens’ families during difficult times abroad.

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