PM Modi Raises Return of Indians in Russian Army: Modi-putin Summit

The issue of Indians being recruited into the Russian Army and subsequently sent to the frontlines in the Ukraine conflict has recently garnered significant attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised this concern with President Vladimir Putin, securing a promise that all Indian nationals in the Russian Army would be swiftly returned. This article delves into the details of this diplomatic engagement and the steps being taken to bring the Indians back home safely.

Modi-Putin Summit: A Strong Stance on Indian Repatriation

During the annual summit between India and Russia, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the urgency of repatriating Indians recruited into the Russian military. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted Modi’s assertive stance, stating, “Prime minister raised this issue very strongly, that we should try and get all Indian nationals back to India as early as possible.”

This assertive move came in the wake of increasing pressure from the families of recruits, especially after the tragic deaths of four Indians in the conflict zone. These families have been urging the Indian government to facilitate the release and safe return of their loved ones.

The Recruitment Controversy

The recruitment of Indians into the Russian Army has been shrouded in secrecy, with no official figures disclosed by either side.

However, Kwatra revealed that the Indian government estimated the number to be between 35 to 50. Out of these, 10 Indians have already been repatriated in collaboration with Russian authorities. Some reports, however, suggest the number could be over 100.

Many of these Indians were initially promised jobs in non-military sectors by recruitment agents but were later inducted into the Russian military as support staff, such as cooks and helpers. Once their units moved to the frontlines, they received minimal military training and were thrust into combat, leading to casualties and injuries among them.

Diplomatic Efforts and Assurances

In a private meeting at President Putin’s dacha in a Moscow suburb, Modi secured a promise from the Russian leader that all Indians in the Russian Army would be discharged and facilitated for return. This commitment is expected to see the release of Indian recruits within weeks.

The issue has also been addressed through various diplomatic channels. The Indian embassy in Moscow, along with the external affairs ministry, has been actively engaging with the Russian mission in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the matter with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana.

Russian Response and Cooperation

Russia’s ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, assured that the Russian side is open and attentive to Indian concerns. He stated, “Of course, we don’t want to see the Indians dying on the battlefield…This particular problem is primarily a problem involving those agencies, mediators, some shady people who mislead the Indian nationals in the first place.”

The Russian authorities have acknowledged the issue of misleading recruitment practices and have shown a willingness to cooperate in addressing the problem.

Crackdown on Human Trafficking

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India has recently dismantled a human trafficking network that lured men with promises of high-paying jobs in Russia. This network operated through social media channels and agents, deceiving many gullible individuals. The crackdown aims to prevent further exploitation of Indian nationals.

Conclusion

The diplomatic engagement between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and return of Indians recruited into the Russian Army.

With concerted efforts from both Indian and Russian authorities, the promise of repatriation is expected to be fulfilled soon. The crackdown on human trafficking networks further emphasizes the commitment to protecting Indian citizens from exploitation.