Moscow has agreed to discharge and facilitate the return of all Indians who were misled into joining the Russian Army after PM 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 and or education ended up joining the Russian Army to fight against Ukraine.
As per an investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), this illegal trafficking racket targeted vulnerable people through various channels including visiting consultancy firms and agents and enticed them with false promises of highly paying jobs in educational and security sectors. Once ensnared, the into paying exorbitant fees for visa processing, travel arrangements, and other administrative expenses.
Upon arrival in Russia, the victims found themselves at the mercy of their traffickers, who confiscated their passports and subjected them to coercive measures. They were then forced to undergo training for combat roles, including donning Russian military uniforms and badges.
Also, they were manipulated into believing that these roles would offer them a pathway to financial stability and success. Later, the victims were deployed to front bases in the Russia-Ukraine war zone against their will. The CBI has recorded 35 instances where youngsters were taken to Russia after being lured with false promises of high paying jobs via social media channels and local contacts or agents.
At least four Indian nationals have been killed in the war so far since the war began in February 2022 including a 30-year-old resident of Hyderabad serving in the Russian Army had been killed in Russia-Ukraine conflict. All of this was discussed between PM Modi and Vladimir Putin after the latter invited the former at his “Dacha” (country house) for a private dinner.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) around 30-40 Indians could currently be serving in the Russian Army. Reports earlier said they were unable to leave the army despite wanting to return and ten of these Indians have been brought back.
New Delhi had initiated several diplomatic efforts, but a formal Russian assurance was pending. Securing the discharge of Indians one of PM Modi’s Moscow visit. Ahead of the visit, the Congress leaders had asked whether PM Modi will ensure the safe return of Indians fighting for the Russian Army in the war zone. The Congress General Secretary, in charge of 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 war. Many others have been duped into fighting the war where they have no stake aside from a chance to escape 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 July 8, 2024.
On July 9, 2024, 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 the bilateral negotiations in diverse areas, including trade, energy and defence at the 22nd edition of the India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit.
Putin embraced Modi at his home in Novo-Ogaryovo, greeted him as dear friend and said that he was very happy to see him, according to Russian media Our official talks are tomorrow, while today, in this comfortable, cosy setting, we can probably discuss the same issues, but unofficially,” Russian media quoted Putin as saying. The Russian president offered Modi, who is on his first visit to Russia in five years, tea, berries, and sweets and took him on a motorised cart tour of the grounds.
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