Moscow, September 14, 2024 — Forty-five Indian nationals, who were misled into joining the Russian military and forced to fight in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have been successfully rescued and discharged from their duties, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Efforts are still underway to secure the release of 50 more Indians trapped in similar situations on the battlefront.
The Ministry revealed that these individuals were part of a human trafficking scheme that tricked them into joining the Russian military under the false promise of lucrative jobs or educational opportunities in Russia. Their passports were confiscated upon arrival, and they were sent to combat zones after receiving basic military training.
Trafficking Scheme Exposed
The human trafficking network that duped these individuals extends from New Delhi to Tamil Nadu. Using social media platforms and local agents, the network lured unsuspecting victims with promises of employment and admission to what have been described by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as “dubious private universities” in Russia. Once in Russia, the victims found themselves stripped of their identification and enrolled in military combat training, leading to their deployment on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Approximately 100 Indians were reportedly caught in this network, with four having tragically lost their lives in the conflict. Indian authorities have arrested at least four individuals involved in the trafficking ring back home, as part of a broader crackdown on the operation.
Viral Pleas for Help
Earlier this year, a viral video surfaced showing a group of Indian men from Punjab and Haryana in military uniforms, pleading for help after being misled into joining the Russian army. The video sparked widespread concern, prompting the Indian government to take swift diplomatic action.
The MEA has since worked diligently to bring attention to each case, coordinating with Russian authorities for the safe return of Indian nationals. So far, 10 individuals have been successfully repatriated as part of this ongoing effort.
PM Modi’s Diplomatic Efforts
During his visit to Moscow in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi urged Putin to ensure the safe discharge of all Indians who had been falsely recruited into the Russian military. President Putin responded with assurances, promising to release any Indians involved in the conflict and work towards their safe return to India.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has also condemned the exploitation of Indian nationals in the conflict. He has vowed that stringent legal action will be taken against agents and traffickers involved in duping Indians into the war. “It is completely unacceptable that any Indian should be misled into a conflict zone and forced to fight in an army,” Jaishankar emphasized in a statement earlier this year.
Efforts Continue
As efforts continue to rescue the remaining 50 Indians still deployed in war zones, the Indian government is actively working with Russian officials to ensure their early discharge. The MEA remains committed to addressing every individual case brought to its attention and bringing those responsible for this human trafficking scheme to justice.
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