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10 Indian nationals had been released earlier in batches
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the discharge of 45 Indian nationals from the Russian army, a significant development following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct intervention during his visit to Russia in July 2024. The issue was raised with Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading to the release of these Indian citizens who were reportedly misled into joining the Russian military.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided details during the weekly media briefing on Thursday (September 12, 2024). He stated that 35 of the 45 individuals had been discharged since the Prime Minister’s July visit, with an earlier batch of 10 Indians having been released before that.
“Out of these, as you might know, 6 people returned to India two days ago, and the Indian Embassy facilitated their return. There are others who are expected to come back in the coming days,” he stated.
These Indian nationals were believed to have been caught in a human trafficking scheme, which led them to Russia under the guise of job opportunities or educational programs. Upon their arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were coerced into joining the Russian army amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to reports, these individuals came from various states across India.
While 45 Indians have been rescued and discharged, there are still around 50 Indian nationals who remain in the Russian army. Efforts are ongoing, with the Indian government in continuous talks with Russian authorities to secure their release. The MEA has assured that these cases are being "strongly taken up" and that they are hopeful for an early resolution.
This situation has shone a light on the growing concerns of human trafficking involving Indian citizens, especially in conflict zones. Investigations by Indian authorities have uncovered a broader network involved in these illegal recruitments. Four individuals in India have been arrested for their role in this human trafficking operation, which targeted vulnerable people, promising them lucrative jobs in Russia.
The government’s focus remains on bringing back all Indian nationals currently trapped in similar circumstances and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
Responding to another query about an Israeli soldier of Indian origin having been killed in the West Bank, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said he had seen the report, adding that an Israeli national of Indian origin had died.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided details during the weekly media briefing on Thursday (September 12, 2024). He stated that 35 of the 45 individuals had been discharged since the Prime Minister’s July visit, with an earlier batch of 10 Indians having been released before that.
“Out of these, as you might know, 6 people returned to India two days ago, and the Indian Embassy facilitated their return. There are others who are expected to come back in the coming days,” he stated.
These Indian nationals were believed to have been caught in a human trafficking scheme, which led them to Russia under the guise of job opportunities or educational programs. Upon their arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were coerced into joining the Russian army amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to reports, these individuals came from various states across India.
While 45 Indians have been rescued and discharged, there are still around 50 Indian nationals who remain in the Russian army. Efforts are ongoing, with the Indian government in continuous talks with Russian authorities to secure their release. The MEA has assured that these cases are being "strongly taken up" and that they are hopeful for an early resolution.
This situation has shone a light on the growing concerns of human trafficking involving Indian citizens, especially in conflict zones. Investigations by Indian authorities have uncovered a broader network involved in these illegal recruitments. Four individuals in India have been arrested for their role in this human trafficking operation, which targeted vulnerable people, promising them lucrative jobs in Russia.
The government’s focus remains on bringing back all Indian nationals currently trapped in similar circumstances and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
Responding to another query about an Israeli soldier of Indian origin having been killed in the West Bank, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said he had seen the report, adding that an Israeli national of Indian origin had died.
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