Two Indian students from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have died in an air accident in Canada while undergoing flight training, according to the Consulate General of India in Vancouver.
The deceased were identified as Manoj Sivakumar and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham. The Indian mission expressed its condolences to their families and said it was prepared to provide all necessary consular assistance.
“The Consulate General of India, Vancouver, expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise” of the two students, the mission said in a post on X. Details about the location of the accident, the training aircraft involved and the circumstances leading to the crash were not immediately provided in the official statement.
The Consulate General said its sympathies were with the bereaved families and loved ones of the two students. It added that officials were ready to assist with arrangements to repatriate their mortal remains to India. Consular assistance in such cases can include coordination with Canadian authorities, communication with the victims’ families, documentation and support for transporting the remains.
The deaths have highlighted the risks faced by students pursuing aviation training abroad. Many Indian students travel to countries such as Canada for pilot training because of the availability of flying schools, training infrastructure and international aviation programmes. Authorities are expected to examine the cause of the accident. Further information could be released after Canadian aviation officials complete their preliminary assessment and notify the families.
The incident comes as the Indian government continues to expand assistance for citizens facing emergencies overseas. Indian embassies and consulates regularly issue security advisories, operate round-the-clock helplines and coordinate with local authorities during accidents, conflicts and natural disasters.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on July 30, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the government had conducted several operations to evacuate Indians stranded in conflict zones. The assistance provided during emergencies can include commercial and special flights, transit visas, safe accommodation, food, local transportation and cross-border movement.
The Ministry of External Affairs also operates special control rooms to respond to queries from affected Indians and their families. Its Rapid Response Cell coordinates with government agencies, armed forces, ministries and overseas missions when large evacuation or emergency operations are required.
The ministry is also conducting final trials of a digital emergency response system designed to improve coordination and communication during overseas crises. In the Canada accident case, the Vancouver consulate said it would continue supporting the families through the required procedures.
