New Delhi:
A total of 52 Indians living outside the country were killed while another 50 committed suicide during 2012 in foreign lands, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
In 2010, 58 Indians were killed abroad and 55 committed suicide while in 2011, 38 were killed and 56 committed suicide.
"There does not seem to be an increasing trend in the number of such deaths," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said replying to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Sometimes delays occur in bringing the bodies back to country due to local laws and procedures or non-cooperation of sponsors, he said.
The discussion was about citizens of the country who were murdered or killed in accidents in foreign countries.
"The entire process is subject to norms laid down by the host governments. The government of India, through the concerned embassy, intervenes in cases where the delay seems to be unjustified," he said.
Replying to another question, Mr Ravi said: "The government provides legal and financial assistance to the Indian women who are deserted or divorced by their overseas spouses."
"Twenty-seven non-government organisations are empanelled in seven countries like the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Bahrain and Qatar to provide such assistance," he said.