Moscow has agreed to discharge and facilitate the return of all Indians who were misled into joining the Russian Army after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his ongoing visit, raised the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Several Indians, who were lured to Russia with the promise of lucrative jobs or education, ended up joining the Russian Army to fight against Ukraine. At least four Indian nationals have been killed in the war so far since the war started in February 2022.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 30-40 Indians could currently be serving in the Russian army. Reports earlier stated that they were unable to leave the army despite wanting to return. Ten Indians have already been brought back.
New Delhi had initiated several diplomatic efforts, but a formal Russian assurance was pending. Securing the discharge of Indian citizens was one of the top priorities in PM Modi’s Moscow visit.
Ahead of the visit, Congress leaders had asked whether PM Modi will ensure the safe return of Indians fighting for the Russian army in the war zone.
Congress general secretary, in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh posed a series of questions for the prime minister in a post on X.
” At least two individuals have already been confirmed as fatalities of the war. Many others have been ‘duped’ into fighting a war where they have no stake, aside from a chance to escape the poverty and unemployment crisis that the non-biological Prime Minister has perpetuated domestically. Will the non-biological Prime Minister take up the cause of these youth? Will he ensure their safe return to India as soon as possible?” Ramesh asked on Monday.
On Tuesday, the prime minister will hold summit talks with Putin. This is his first trip to Russia since 2019 and the first since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both leaders are set to explore ways to further expand bilateral relations in diverse areas, including trade, energy and defence, at the 22nd India-Russia annual summit on Tuesday.