Forty-five Indians, who were deceived into joining the Russian army, have been successfully rescued and discharged, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. These individuals had been compelled to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Efforts are now focused on rescuing the remaining fifty Indian nationals still trapped on the battlefields.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Modi that Russia would discharge all Indians misled into joining its military. This assurance came after widespread concern over the plight of these individuals.
The recruitment of these Indians involved a human trafficking network spanning from New Delhi to Tamil Nadu. Victims were enticed by promises of lucrative jobs or admission to dubious private universities. Upon arrival in Russia, their passports were seized, and they were trained for combat roles.
Approximately a hundred Indian nationals were affected by this scam, and at least four have been reported killed in the conflict. Indian authorities have arrested several individuals involved in this trafficking scheme.
A viral video earlier this year highlighted the desperation of Indian men from Punjab and Haryana, who were coerced into fighting and pleaded for help. The Ministry of External Affairs has been actively addressing these cases with Russian officials.
So far, ten Indians have been successfully repatriated as part of ongoing rescue efforts. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has vowed to take stringent legal action against those responsible for the deceit.
Prime Minister Modi raised this critical issue with President Putin during his Moscow visit in July. Putin’s commitment to resolving the situation has been a key factor in the discharge process.
The Indian government remains resolute in ensuring that every case is handled promptly and effectively, emphasizing that no Indian should be exploited or forced into conflict.