In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the deaths of 12 Indian nationals and 16 reported missing have raised significant concerns. These individuals were associated with or served in the Russian military.
According to The Wire, Russia has communicated the distressing statistics involving Indian nationals to the Indian authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India disclosed these details, noting the affected individuals had roles within the Russian armed forces. Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson, informed that a total of 126 Indians had been documented in connection with the Russian military since the conflict began.
Among them, Binil T.B., 32, from Kerala, stands out as a tragic casualty, having been killed in a recent drone strike. This same incident left another Indian, Jain T.K., injured, adding to the toll on the Indian community in these conflict zones.
Prime Minister Modi Engages Russia For Safe Repatriation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been personally involved in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaging in dialogues twice in the past six months. Their conversations were aimed at arranging the return of Indian nationals back to their home country.
India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has also been active in Parliament, providing updates and pressing on the urgency of the situation. In his report last August, he highlighted the recruitment of 91 Indian nationals into the Russian army, underlining the problematic nature of their employment contracts.
"We do not necessarily agree with those contracts ... In many instances, there is evidence suggesting that our nationals were misled. They were told they were going for other jobs, but were subsequently deployed with the Russian army," Jaishankar stated, offering a glimpse into the deceptive recruitment practices faced by the victims.
Informed Efforts To Assist Indian Nationals
Jaiswal added that of the recorded 126 cases, 96 individuals had already been repatriated to India. This leaves a significant number still unaccounted for or waiting for the possibility of return. The efforts to secure their repatriation are ongoing and involve complex diplomatic engagements with Russia.
"We are actively engaging with the Russian authorities to expedite the release and repatriation of those who remain there," Jaiswal reiterated, emphasizing the proactive steps being taken by the Indian government to address this critical issue.
To date, the dynamics of the conflict and the involvement of Indian nationals have evolved. Initially, several were recruited, thinking they were embarking on civilian jobs overseas, only to find themselves enlisted in a foreign military embroiled in a contentious conflict. This has led to widespread criticism about the transparency and ethics of such recruitment.
Continued Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The MEA continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that those still active within the Russian military are accounted for and that measures are taken for their safety and eventual return.
Out of the total involved, 18 are reported still serving, while the families of the deceased are grappling with the loss of their loved ones. The Indian community and government alike are calling for increased transparency and accountability from those responsible for recruiting these individuals.
As the Ukraine-Russia conflict persists, the plight of these Indian nationals serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of international conflicts on individuals and families across the globe.
The Indian government's ongoing negotiations with Russian authorities are crucial in ensuring the safety and rights of its citizens are prioritized amid geopolitical tensions.
