Russia has agreed to release all Indian citizens fighting in its army, according to India’s foreign ministry.
This promise followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, during which he discussed the issue with President Vladimir Putin.
Indian citizens claim they were misled into joining the Russian army with promises of non-combat roles but were subsequently forced into active combat in Ukraine.
At least four Indians have died in the conflict.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra stated in a press briefing that Modi had “strongly raised the issue of early discharge” for Indians “misled into the service of the Russian army.”
Kwatra noted that Russia assured an early release of all Indian nationals from their military service.
There are approximately 35-50 Indians in the Russian forces, with 10 already brought back to India. Efforts will continue to repatriate the remaining individuals.
Many of these Indians, primarily from impoverished backgrounds, were lured by agents promising money and Russian passports, only to be forced into the conflict.
Families of these men had sought assistance from the Indian government.
The foreign ministry labeled the situation as a “matter of deep concern” and emphasized their efforts with Russian authorities to secure their citizens’ return.
In March, Indian authorities dismantled a network of agents recruiting individuals to fight for Russia under false job promises.
Modi addressed the issue with Putin during his two-day visit to Russia, his first since 2019.
A joint statement from India and Russia outlined nine key areas for closer cooperation, including nuclear energy and medicine, and set a goal to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
Source-BBC
