Indian Nationals Working in the Russian Army Return Home
Ten Indian nationals who were working as support staff in the Russian Army have returned to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday. The MEA is actively pursuing the release of the remaining Indians, and the Russian side has assured their return.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is currently in St Petersburg, Russia, to attend the 12th international meeting of high-ranking officials responsible for security matters. He has held several meetings on the sidelines of the event, including with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev and Chief Advisor to Brazilian President, Celso Amorim.
The MEA has been in constant touch with Moscow authorities to secure the release of Indian nationals from the Russian army. At least two Indians have died while serving in the Russian army, and around 20 others were allegedly duped into fighting in the war with Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently busted a major human trafficking network that targeted Indian nationals with promises of high-paying jobs abroad but sent them to the war zone instead. The traffickers trained the victims in combat roles and deployed them against their will, putting their lives in danger. The investigation is ongoing.