MOSCOW — Forty-five Indian nationals who were misled into joining the Russian army and fighting in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have been rescued and discharged, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed today.
The MEA spokesperson also reported that fifty more Indians remain in the conflict zone, and efforts are ongoing to secure their release.
Context and Background
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that Russia would discharge any Indians who had been misled into joining the military and subsequently forced to fight in Ukraine. This assurance came as part of the broader diplomatic discussions between the two nations.
How Indians Were Misled
A human trafficking network, operating from New Delhi to Tamil Nadu, exploited social media and local agents to lure individuals with promises of lucrative jobs or admission to questionable private universities in Russia. Upon arrival, these victims had their passports confiscated, underwent combat training, and were subsequently deployed to the front lines.
Approximately one hundred Indian nationals were trapped in this scheme, and at least four have been reported killed in the conflict. Indian police have arrested four individuals involved in this trafficking racket.
Government Actions and Statements
The Indian government has been actively working to address the situation. A viral video earlier this year showed Indian nationals from Punjab and Haryana, in military uniforms, pleading for help after being deceived into participating in the war.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that the Indian government is taking strong action against those responsible for deceiving Indian students into joining the Russian military. “It is totally unacceptable that any Indian should be taken to a conflict zone and made to work for an army,” Jaishankar stated.
Ongoing Efforts
As part of the rescue operation, ten Indians have been brought back to India so far. The Indian government continues to engage with Russian authorities to ensure the safe return of all affected nationals. The situation remains a priority for both Indian diplomats and the Russian government, with further measures expected to ensure the safety and repatriation of the remaining individuals.
The rescue of these Indian nationals highlights ongoing challenges in international human trafficking and the complexities of diplomatic interventions in conflict zones.