Russia has agreed to facilitate the return of all Indians who were recruited to fight in Ukraine alongside the Russian army, following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during Modi's visit to Moscow. This breakthrough development came after Modi raised the issue during a private dinner hosted by Putin on Monday evening.
Reports indicate that nearly two dozen Indians were lured into joining the conflict under false pretences of lucrative job opportunities. This situation prompted strong actions from the Indian government against the agents responsible for misleading these individuals.
According to official sources, four Indians have tragically lost their lives in the conflict, while ten have managed to return home. Currently, an estimated 35 to 40 Indians remain stranded in Russia.
The plight of these Indian nationals who were coerced into combat roles has been a significant concern for New Delhi. Instances of job fraud targeting vulnerable Indians, followed by their involuntary recruitment into the Russian army, have sparked outrage and calls for intervention from affected families and the broader community.
India's Foreign Ministry has been actively engaged in efforts to secure the safe return of these individuals. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has described the issue as deeply troubling and has been in continuous dialogue with Russian authorities to address the matter promptly.
Earlier this year, two Indian nationals from Gujarat, Ashvinbhai Mangukiya and Mohammad Asfan, were reported killed in Ukraine. Their deaths, along with those of two others in June, underscore the urgency of resolving this humanitarian crisis.
India has underscored that the recruitment of its citizens into foreign militaries during conflict situations undermines the longstanding diplomatic ties between India and Russia.
The government has urged for the immediate release of all affected Indian nationals and has called for a cessation of such recruitment practices in the future.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Moscow, his first since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts to resolve this issue. Arriving on Monday evening, Modi was received by Russia's First Deputy PM Denis Manturov at the airport. He is scheduled to engage in bilateral talks with President Putin on Tuesday and participate in the 22nd India-Russia summit in Moscow.
The visit underscores India's delicate balancing act between maintaining historic relations with Russia and exploring closer security ties with Western nations. For Modi, who recently commenced his third term in office, the visit holds significant diplomatic implications amidst evolving global dynamics.
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