Indians Trapped in Russia-Ukraine War

Context:

The deaths of two Indian nationals in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war shed light on the plight of numerous Indians trapped on the front lines after being deceived into working with the Russian military. Recent raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have uncovered a human trafficking network involved in recruiting Indians for roles such as security helpers and other personnel for the Russian military. These developments have sparked widespread concern about the safety and exploitation of Indian citizens caught in the conflict.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Situation with Indians in Russia
2. Deception by Agents
3. Statements from the Indian Government

Situation with Indians in Russia

Compelled Participation in Fighting:

• Several reports highlighted that some Indian nationals, initially recruited as army security helpers, were coerced into fighting against their will after their passports and documents were confiscated.

Recruitment Process:

• A resident of Uttar Pradesh shared his experience of going to Russia with the assistance of an agent in November the previous year.
• They were promised that they wouldn’t be deployed to the battlefield and were offered a monthly salary of ₹1.95 lakh along with an additional ₹50,000 incentive.
• Despite assurances, they were sent to the frontline in January 2024 after undergoing basic training in handling weapons.

Recruitment Numbers:

• An Indian-origin Russian official associated with the Russian Ministry of Defence revealed that approximately 100 Indians were recruited at the Moscow recruitment center in the past year.
• However, the actual number could be higher as there are multiple recruitment centers across Russia.

Deception by Agents

Human Trafficking Network:

• A multi-state human trafficking network was uncovered by the CBI in a crackdown on visa recruiters in seven cities across India.
• This network allegedly pushed Indian youths into the war zone by promising better life prospects and livelihood opportunities with the Russian military as security guards, helpers, and through higher education.

Modus Operandi:

• The organized network enticed Indian youths through social media and local agents, offering them well-paid jobs and lucrative employment prospects in Russia.
• Many students were lured into enrolling in dubious private universities by agents who promised low fees and visa extensions.

Forced Recruitment:

• Upon reaching Russia, the local agents seized the passports of the aspirants and compelled them to join the armed forces, violating their initial agreements and deceiving them about their employment prospects.

Statements from the Indian Government

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Warnings:

• Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued warnings to Indian citizens regarding the risks associated with being recruited for support roles in the Russian army.

Dialogue with Russian Authorities:

• The Indian government is engaged in discussions with Russian authorities regarding the early release of Indian citizens who were deceived into working with the Russian military.

Appeal to Indian Nationals:

• In light of the findings from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids, the MEA has urged Indian nationals not to be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army.

-Source: The Hindu