India’s foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday that two Indian nationals recruited by the Russian army have been killed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This announcement underscores growing concerns over the involvement of Indian citizens in the war and the mechanisms of their recruitment.
The Indian embassy in Moscow has urged Russian authorities, including the Ministry of Defense, for the prompt repatriation of the deceased’s bodies. Additionally, the Indian government has demanded the immediate release and return of all Indian nationals currently serving in the Russian military. This demand was reiterated by India’s foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra, who emphasized the gravity of the situation and assured that the government is addressing it with utmost seriousness.
The recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian army has raised alarms within India. The foreign ministry has expressed that further recruitment “would not be in consonance” with the bilateral partnership between the two nations, calling for a verified halt to such activities. It also advised Indian citizens to exercise caution when seeking employment opportunities in Russia, amid reports of deceptive practices leading to their conscription.
This incident follows the deaths of two other Indian nationals earlier this year while fighting in Ukraine. Despite these developments, India has maintained a neutral stance at the United Nations, refraining from voting against Russia or directly criticizing President Vladimir Putin. Historically, India has viewed Russia as a longstanding ally, with deep ties in defense, oil, nuclear energy, and space exploration.
Reports indicate that many Indians have been misled by agents into joining the Russian military with promises of high salaries and Russian citizenship. Some of these individuals have been coerced into combat roles, while others have joined voluntarily. In May, Indian police arrested four individuals linked to a human trafficking network that lured young men to Russia under false pretenses, only to force them into fighting in Ukraine.
The issue of foreign nationals being recruited into the conflict is not unique to India. Similar warnings have been issued by Nepal and Sri Lanka, both of which have reported significant casualties among their citizens fighting for the Russian army. Nepal has reported at least 20 deaths, while Sri Lanka confirmed 16 fatalities among former soldiers recruited under false promises.
The Indian foreign ministry’s statement and the recent arrests highlight the serious and complex nature of this issue. As India continues to navigate its diplomatic relationship with Russia, it is also taking steps to protect its citizens from being drawn into the conflict under false pretenses.
India’s rare ultimatum to #Russia after two Indians die in #Ukraine fighting
Watch for details pic.twitter.com/PWuEKdFLke
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) June 12, 2024
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