External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the issue of Indian nationals being deceived into joining the Russian Army to fight in the Ukraine war. He stated that India had taken a strong stance on the matter and had raised it with Russia, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safe return of these citizens.
The backdrop to Jaishankar's remarks was the recent revelation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) about a human trafficking network that exploited vulnerable Indians by promising them lucrative job opportunities in Russia. Instead, these individuals were coerced into joining the Russian Army to participate in the conflict in Ukraine. Tragically, this exploitation led to the deaths of two Indian nationals in Russia during the war.
The CBI's investigation uncovered a sophisticated operation that spanned multiple states in India, with the network preying on vulnerable individuals through false promises and deceptive recruitment tactics. Victims were misled with offers of high-paying jobs in the Russian military and security sectors, among others.
Upon arriving in Russia, these individuals found themselves trapped, with their passports confiscated and subjected to coercive tactics by the traffickers. They were compelled to undergo military training and were ultimately deployed to the war zone against their will.
Jaishankar's acknowledgment of the situation underscores the gravity of the issue and the Indian government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. By taking a firm stance and engaging with Russian authorities, India aims to address this alarming exploitation and facilitate the return of affected individuals to their homeland.
