The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated contact with Russian authorities concerning Indian nationals entangled in the conflict in Ukraine. Specifically, the Ministry is requesting the Russian Ministry of Defense to permit Indian citizens serving in the army to leave before their contracted terms conclude, as per reports from The Hindu.
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The Ministry clarified that several citizens were enlisted as "auxiliary personnel," and the Indian Embassy consistently communicates with relevant Russian authorities to secure their early release. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged caution, advising all Indian citizens to steer clear of the ongoing conflict.
This development comes in the wake of local media reports on February 20th, revealing that at least three Indians, hired by Russia as "security assistants," were coerced into combat against Ukraine. Approximately 18 Indians find themselves stranded in various frontline cities, such as Mariupol and Donetsk, with at least one confirmed casualty. The individuals were deceived by recruiters from Dubai, who promised lucrative salaries and Russian passports for what was presented as "auxiliary work." Upon reaching Moscow, they underwent weapons and ammunition training before being dispatched to the frontline.
The precise number of Indian contractors serving in the Russian army remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting at least 100, according to sources from The Hindu. AIMIM party Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi initially raised this concern on January 25th, urging Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to repatriate Indian nationals from Ukraine, emphasizing the risks to their lives and the distress of their families.
Comparisons have been drawn to the recruitment of Nepalese citizens by the Russian army, with over 200 enlisted last year. Reports suggest that Russia has recruited up to 15,000 Nepalese citizens in total, leading to concerns and demands from Nepalese authorities for their immediate demobilization and repatriation. Similar reports highlight mercenaries from various countries, including Somalia, Syria, Cuba, and China, participating on Russia's side in the conflict, demonstrating the globalized nature of the ongoing war.
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