MissingStudent – An Indian postgraduate student studying at the University of California, Berkeley has been reported missing, prompting concern from Indian authorities in the United States. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who hails from Karnataka, has not been located, and efforts are underway to trace his whereabouts. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed that it is closely coordinating with local officials and the student’s family as the search continues.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Consulate General said it was deeply concerned about the disappearance of the student. Officials stated that they are in regular contact with the relevant authorities in the United States and are extending full support to Saketh’s parents during this period of uncertainty.
The Consulate emphasized that it is actively monitoring developments and working alongside local law enforcement agencies to help locate the student. No further details about the circumstances of his disappearance have been made public so far.
The incident has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by Indian students pursuing higher education overseas. In recent years, there have been reports of discrimination, racially motivated attacks, and concerns about delayed responses in certain cases involving Indian nationals.
These issues have been raised at various forums, including in Parliament. Lawmakers have sought clarity from the government on measures being taken to safeguard students studying outside the country. The matter gained prominence after questions were posed in the Lok Sabha regarding the security and well-being of Indian students abroad.
Responding to concerns, the Ministry of External Affairs outlined the steps taken to ensure student safety. The ministry stated that the protection of Indian nationals overseas remains a high priority. According to its response, Indian missions and diplomatic posts regularly track incidents involving students and promptly engage with host governments when cases of violence or misconduct are reported.
The ministry further noted that embassies and consulates maintain close contact with Indian student communities within their jurisdictions. Orientation sessions are conducted for newly arrived students to inform them about local laws, potential risks, and precautionary measures to follow while living abroad.
To strengthen outreach, students are encouraged to register with Indian missions and remain connected through multiple communication channels. These include the MADAD Portal, dedicated WhatsApp groups for students, emergency helplines, open house interactions, and consular camps.
Officials have said that these platforms are designed to ensure timely assistance during emergencies. In cases of distress, support such as emergency medical care, temporary accommodation, and other essential services can be arranged. The Indian Community Welfare Fund is also utilized to provide financial assistance to nationals facing hardship overseas.
The government highlighted its record of conducting large-scale evacuation operations during times of political unrest or armed conflict. In recent years, several missions have been carried out to bring Indian nationals home safely from conflict zones.
Among the notable evacuation efforts were Operation Devi Shakti in Afghanistan, Operation Ganga in Ukraine, Operation Kaveri in Sudan, Operation Ajay in Israel, and Operation Sindhu covering Israel and Iran. These operations included the safe return of students caught in unstable situations.
Authorities have reiterated that such initiatives reflect a continuing commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian citizens abroad. As the search for Saketh Sreenivasaiah continues, officials have assured that all possible assistance is being extended to ensure a thorough investigation and to provide support to his family.
