India is intensifying efforts to facilitate the return of its citizens stranded in Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday.
At least two Indian nationals have lost their lives while serving in the Russian Army against Ukraine, with approximately 20 others reportedly deceived into participating in Russia's war with Ukraine under false pretenses of lucrative employment opportunities.
Speaking at the weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized, "We are vigorously engaging with the Russian authorities to expedite the repatriation of our citizens stranded there. As previously mentioned, we have been in contact with 20 individuals seeking assistance."
Additionally, the MEA disclosed that the mortal remains of the two Indian nationals who perished while engaged in the Russia-Ukraine conflict are scheduled to arrive in India by Sunday.
Jaiswal provided an update, stating, "The necessary formalities for repatriating their mortal remains have been completed. The funeral agency entrusted with the task has received the bodies. We are coordinating with the bereaved families and maintaining communication with the Russian authorities."
He further elaborated, "We anticipate the arrival of the mortal remains in India by the end of this week, tentatively on Sunday or shortly thereafter. Subsequently, they will be handed over to the respective families. That is the current status regarding the situation in Russia."
Regarding India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the MEA reiterated its commitment to advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
Jaiswal underscored, "India's position remains consistent – advocating for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We are steadfast in our approach and remain receptive to exploring all possible avenues to achieve this objective."
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently dismantled a significant human trafficking network operating across India, targeting individuals with promises of lucrative overseas employment opportunities, only to deploy them to the war zone in Russia-Ukraine against their will.
The CBI, conducting simultaneous raids at various locations across the country, has unveiled an organized network engaged in duping Indian nationals through social media platforms and local agents, offering purportedly high-paying jobs in Russia.
These individuals were then trained for combat roles and stationed at frontline positions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, endangering their lives.
Several suspects have been detained for interrogation, with ongoing efforts to identify additional victims of trafficking. The public has been urged to remain vigilant against deceptive recruitment agencies and agents promising overseas employment opportunities.
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