During the war against Ukraine, 227 Indians joined the Russian army. Of them, 51 were killed. 139 have returned home. There are still 37 Indians in the Russian army.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri made this announcement late Monday night after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan.
The issue of recruiting Indians into the Russian army has been under discussion for two years. Allegations are that Indians were being lured to Russia and forced to join the country’s army by offering various inducements.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishra held a press conference after the Putin-Modi meeting yesterday. When asked about this, he responded.
Vikram Mishri said that discussions are underway at various levels between the two countries on the issue. Discussions are underway with Russian officials to repatriate the Indians who are still in the Russian army.
In response to a journalist’s question, Vikram Mishri said, “We are in continuous discussions with the Russian authorities on the matter. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is keeping a close eye on this issue.”
When the uproar over this arose, the Indian government took action. A case was also filed in the Supreme Court. The apex court was requested to issue necessary orders to return the Indians who were in the Russian army.
Additional Solicitor General of India Aishwarya Bhatti told the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kantar during the hearing of the case that 44 Indians have been reported dead. The government is making every effort to bring back the surviving Indians who are in the Russian army.
The central government also gave an explanation during the hearing as to why so many Indians are joining the Russian army. The Additional Solicitor General said that the lure of lucrative packages, social security, attractive compensation and citizenship is being shown. Many could not ignore that attractive offer. They signed the agreement to join the Russian army.
Modi raised the issue during his meeting with Putin yesterday. The Indian Foreign Secretary then gave information about this in a press conference.
According to government sources, many of the Indians in the Russian army are also working as cooks. Many are in the role of assistants.
