The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 20 Indian individuals, who ventured to Russia to serve as support staff or assistants to the Russian Army, have reached out to the central government for assistance. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed this information to journalists during a briefing on Thursday, highlighting that these individuals are currently engaged in roles supporting the operations of the Russian military.
This development follows a previous announcement by the foreign ministry on February 23, acknowledging the presence of Indian nationals involved in various capacities alongside the Russian armed forces amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The ministry's acknowledgment came after a plea made by AIMIM leader and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi, urging External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene in the case of three Indians purportedly coerced into participating in Russia's military activities against Ukraine. Owaisi referred to a report published by The Hindu, which detailed the alleged recruitment of these individuals under false pretenses to serve as "Army security helpers" in Russia.
In a separate incident, the family of Hamil Mangukiya from Surat received distressing news of his demise in Russia. Mangukiya, aged 23, had been employed as a 'helper' within the Russian Army after responding to an online job advertisement and subsequently relocating from Chennai to Moscow.
In response to the aforementioned reports, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on February 26, refuting "inaccurate" media claims regarding Indian nationals seeking assistance for discharge from their roles within the Russian army. The ministry clarified that "several Indians have already been discharged" from their duties.
After this clarification by the ministry, Randhir Jaiswal reiterated on Thursday the communication received from the group of 20 Indian individuals who had traveled to Russia to fulfill support roles or auxiliary positions within the military infrastructure.
