India Presses Russia for Repatriation and End to Recruitment of Indian Nationals in Military Conflict
New Delhi, June 21, 2024: At a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced, “We have taken up the matter with the Russian side for the early release and repatriation of Indians recruited by the Russian army. We have also sought a verified stop to the recruitment.”
Jaiswal continued, “As a result of our efforts, so far 10 Indian nationals have been released and repatriated. We continue to be in touch with the Russian side, both in New Delhi and Moscow, on this issue. This remains a matter of utmost concern for us and we expect action.”
Four Indian nationals have been killed in the ongoing conflict so far. Jaiswal mentioned, “We are working with the Russian side for the early transportation of the mortal remains of the two Indians who died recently. We are in touch with their family members as well.”
Two Indian nationals serving with the Russian Army were killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict about ten days ago, bringing the total number of such deaths to four. The Indian side has also demanded a “verified stop” to further recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army. Reports indicate that up to 150-200 Indian nationals have been recruited by the Russian military to serve as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, since last year.
The external affairs ministry and the Indian embassy in Moscow have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian Ambassador in New Delhi and with Russian authorities in Moscow respectively, for the early release and return of all Indian nationals who are with the Russian Army;
The external affairs ministry has urged Indian nationals to “exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia.
The Indian side has pressed Moscow in recent months to ensure the return of all citizens serving in such positions. Additionally, 20-25 Indians have sought help to be released from their jobs as support staff to return home.
Many Indian nationals have been duped into taking up support staff jobs by recruiting agents based in Indian cities and Dubai. Besides the four deaths, several Indians have been injured. Videos posted on social media by Indians seeking help to get out of their jobs with the Russian Army have also surfaced.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently busted a human trafficking network spread across several states. This network lured young men through social media channels and agents with the promise of highly paid jobs in Russia.
