Russia Promises to Withdraw Indian Fighters from Ukraine,
New Delhi Reports

Los Angeles/July 12, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

Russia has pledged to release Indian nationals who were "misled" into joining its military in Ukraine, as confirmed by India’s foreign secretary on Tuesday. During his recent visit to Moscow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgency of bringing all Indians back home, which led to this commitment from Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

Moscow has yet to publicly comment on the agreement, but New Delhi has been actively seeking the release of its nationals for several months. In April, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs highlighted this as a top priority, and the government has been in ongoing discussions with Russian officials to secure their return.

Reports suggest that Russia has recruited thousands of foreign fighters since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with many from South Asia drawn by promises of steady employment and higher wages. In Nepal, it has been estimated that between 14,000 and 15,000 Nepali nationals are fighting in Ukraine, according to a prominent opposition lawmaker.

Last year, Russia introduced an enticing package for foreign recruits, offering a monthly salary of at least $2,000 and expedited Russian citizenship, though the exact number of recruits remains undisclosed. In March, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation uncovered significant human trafficking networks deceiving men into joining the Russian military, with 35 such cases identified.

Kwatra noted that while the exact number of Indians involved remains uncertain, estimates range from 35 to 50. Ten of these individuals have already returned to India. The two countries are now working to expedite the return of the remaining nationals.

India has no legislation prohibiting its citizens from serving in foreign militaries. Families, like that of Imran Mohammad from Hyderabad, have shared distressing stories of individuals being lured by false job promises and ultimately ending up in combat. Imran's brother, Asfan Mohammed, was promised a security job but was instead sent to the battlefield and killed.
In Nepal, lawmakers are demanding that Russia disclose the number of its nationals fighting in Ukraine, with returned fighters alleging they were used as expendable assets. They described minimal training and harsh conditions, with many expressing regret over their decision to join the conflict.

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