How did Indians End Up in the Russia-Ukraine War

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Why in News?
• What Happened with Indians in Russia?
• How did the Agents Deceive People?
• What has the Indian Government Said?

Why in News?

The deaths of two Indian nationals in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war illustrate the plight of dozens of Indians trapped on the front lines after being duped into working with the Russian military.

Also, recent CBI raids found a human trafficking network recruiting Indians as security helpers and other personnels for the Russian military, have sparked widespread concern.

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What Happened with Indians in Russia?

• A series of reports brought attention to the situation that some Indian nationals, initially hired as army security helpers, were compelled to fight against their will after their passports and documents were seized.
• According to a resident of Uttar Pradesh, he went to Russia with the help of an agent in November last year.
• They were assured that they would not be sent to the battlefield and offered a monthly pay of ₹1.95 lakh with an additional ₹50,000 incentive.
• However, they were sent to the frontline in January (2024) after some basic training in handling weapons.
• An Indian-origin Russian official associated with the Russian Ministry of Defence told that approx. 100 Indians were recruited at the Moscow recruitment centre in the past year.
• However, the actual number of Indians hired could be higher, since there are several recruitment centres across Russia.

How did the Agents Deceive People?

• A multi-State human trafficking network busted by the CBI in a crackdown on visa recruiters in seven cities across India revealed how Indian youths were allegedly pushed into the war zone by consultancy firms.
• The Indian youths were duped on the pretext of a better life and livelihood with the Russian military as security guards and helpers, as well as higher education.
• As per the CBI, the “organised network” lured Indian youth through social media and local agents, offering them highly paid jobs and lucrative employment opportunities in Russia.
• A number of students were reportedly tricked into enrolling in dubious private universities by agents promising low fees and visa extensions.
• Once the aspirants reached Russia, the local agents seized their passports and forced them to join the armed forces.

What has the Indian Government Said?

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued warnings (last month) to Indian citizens about the dangers of being recruited for support roles in the Russian army.
• The Indian government is in talks with the Russian authorities about the early release of Indian citizens who were duped into working with the Russian military.
• Noting the findings of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids, the MEA appealed to Indian nationals not to be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army.

Q1) What is the Russian-Ukraine war?

The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine that began in 2014. It started when Russia took over Crimea and escalated in 2022 when Russia invaded the whole of Ukraine.

Q2) What is India’s position on the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war?

India’s position on the Ukraine conflict has been steadfast and consistent. The country has expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities.

Source: How did Indians End Up in the Russia-Ukraine War? | LM