New Delhi: Reacting strongly to reports of the death of an Indian national in Russia, India Tuesday reiterated its demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indians currently serving the Russian Army in the conflict zones.
“We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Offering condolences to the family of the deceased, the senior diplomat stated that the Indian Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered.
“We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person. The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals,” he added.
The plight of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war is a key concern for New Delhi.
India has maintained that the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army in a conflict situation is not in consonance with the India-Russia diplomatic partnership, and has asked for the early release and return of all such Indian nationals.
Last year, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Moscow, Russia decided to release and facilitate the return of all Indians fighting for the Russian army against Ukraine.
The breakthrough was achieved when PM Modi raised the matter at a private dinner hosted by Putin.
Over the last few years, over two dozen Indians were believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting high-paying jobs.
Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises, the authorities confirmed, last year.
“As a result of concerted efforts by the Government, most of the Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces have been discharged and several have been repatriated to India. According to available information, currently, only 19 Indian nationals remain in the Russian armed forces. Government has requested the Russian authorities concerned to provide an update on the whereabouts of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces and also ensure their safety, wellbeing and early discharge,” Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament, last month.
