Centre committed to early release of Indians duped into working for Russian army

The Ministry of External Affairs issued an appeal to Indian nationals to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army.

Updated on: Mar 8, 2024, 16:53:18 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Centre on Friday said that it is committed to the early release of Indians duped into working for the Russian army.

A Ukrainian soldier fires an RPG toward Russian positions at the frontline near Avdiivka, an eastern Ukrainian city, on April 28, 2023. (AP)

“Several Indian nationals have been duped to work with the Russian Army. We have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for early discharge of such Indian nationals,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The ministry said that strong action has been initiated against agents and “unscrupulous elements” who have recruited Indian citizens on false pretexts and promises.

Also Read | Indians in war zone: Two Russia-based agents under CBI scanner

It also issued an appeal to Indian nationals to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army.

“This is fraught with danger and risk to life. We remain committed to the early release of our nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army and their eventual return home,” the MEA added.

The statement comes a day after the Central Bureau (CBI) busted a major human trafficking network, running across the country, targeting young people with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, including in Russia and Ukraine, and then allegedly sending them off to fight on the front lines of the war between those countries.

Also Read | About 20 Indians sought help for discharge from Russian Army, says MEA

The agency conducted searches at 13 locations in Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. It identified at least 35 instances of victims sent abroad by the alleged traffickers.

Two Indians killed fighting for Russia

At least two Indian nationals are known to have been killed while serving with the Russian army.

Earlier this week, the Indian embassy in Moscow confirmed the death of Indian national Mohammed Asfan in a post on X on March 6.

The 30-year-old from Hyderabad travelled to Russia late last year and reports have said he was seriously injured along with two other Indians in hostilities in a conflict zone last month.

Prior to this, 23-year-old Hemal Ashwinbhai Mangukiya, a resident of Surat in Gujarat, was killed in a Ukrainian air strike while serving as a “security helper” with the Russian Army at Donetsk, a part of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Mangukiya travelled to Russia last December.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.