Amidst the tragic deaths of two Indian nationals serving as support staff within Russian military units, India issued a stern warning on Friday, urging its citizens to refrain from risking their lives by accepting such positions. The Indian government emphasized its dedication to securing the prompt release of all individuals employed in similar roles.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, expressed concern over the exploitation of numerous Indians who had been deceived into working for the Russian Army. He stated that New Delhi had strongly raised this issue with Moscow to expedite the discharge of these individuals.
During his regular media briefing, Jaiswal appealed to Indian citizens not to be tempted by offers from agents promising support roles with the Russian Army, cautioning them against the inherent dangers and life-threatening risks associated with such positions.
Jaiswal's remarks followed the recent death of 30-year-old Mohammed Asfan from Hyderabad, who was deceived into participating in Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The Indian Embassy in Moscow confirmed Asfan's demise, marking the second loss after the death of 23-year-old Hemal Ashwinbhai Mangukiya from Gujarat, who was killed in a Ukrainian air strike while serving as a security helper in the Donetsk region.
According to Jaiswal, around 20 Indians have reached out to the Indian government, with efforts underway to establish contact with others. However, the precise number of Indians employed as support staff for the Russian Army remains unknown.
"We have firmly raised the issue with the Russian government to ensure the early release of these individuals who have been deceived into working with the Russian Army," Jaiswal asserted. He also highlighted the government's crackdown on agents and unscrupulous entities responsible for luring Indians into these roles with false promises, noting that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had dismantled a major human trafficking network and registered cases against several agents.
"We urge Indian nationals once again to refrain from accepting offers for support roles with the Russian Army, as this poses grave dangers to their lives," Jaiswal reiterated.
He assured that the government is actively working to locate and secure the release of the affected individuals, maintaining ongoing discussions with the Russian authorities for their swift discharge.
"We have successfully facilitated the discharge of some individuals following discussions with the Russian government, and our efforts are ongoing," Jaiswal stated, affirming India's commitment to ensuring the safe return of its nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army.
Reports suggest that many Indian recruits, employed as security helpers in the Russian military, have been coerced into combat situations alongside Russian soldiers along the Ukraine border.
Furthermore, the CBI is investigating two agents based in Russia allegedly involved in trafficking Indians into the war zone, where they were compelled to engage in armed conflict after their passports were confiscated upon arrival.
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