PM Modi's recent two-day visit to Russia resulted in crucial decisions, paramount being the safe return of Indians caught in the Ukraine conflict and compensation for the slain soldiers' families. For over two years, Indian youth were deceived into participating in the war. Many are still stranded there.
Why did Russia need foreign soldiers?
Last year, a hacker breach revealed the recruitment of foreign youngsters into the Russian Army and their expedited deployment to Ukraine after minimal training. Several ex-Soviet states, which feel closer to Russia than Ukraine, willingly participated in the conflict.
Among them are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Latvia. However, they joined with knowledge and consent, different from the Indian youth who were misled to aid in minor roles rather than combat.
Thus Russia continued recruiting foreign fighters
Russia has been accused of hiring mercenaries during war times, which ensures the safety of its citizens and allows the disavowment of responsibility for these fighters as needed. Additionally, the risk of these foreign soldiers carrying sensitive intelligence is minimized. Therefore, Russia has an ongoing practice of employing foreign fighters. The Wagner Group, Russia's private army, has always been in the spotlight for its aggression.
Source: aajtak
The Polish Institute of International Affairs published a study in 2014 during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, claiming that Russia lures economically vulnerable individuals from other nations, including Bosnian and Serbian youths, as well as fighters from war-torn countries like Syria and Libya.
How Indians were duped for services in the Russian military
An NDTV report cited CBI sources stating that a human trafficking network spans from New Delhi to Tamil Nadu, contacting economically weak youths via social media and local agents with false job prospects in Russia. Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were sent to the battlefield after cursory training. Several people have been detained in connection to this racket.
The scope of deception
Official data suggests that currently, 30 to 40 Indian citizens are in the Russian military, with about 4 reported casualties. The actual numbers could be higher as the recruitment process was covert.
Source: aajtak
India's resolution efforts
The Foreign Ministry had raised the issue previously, but PM Modi's discussions in Russia have led to concrete action. Russia has committed to the swift repatriation of Indians involved as support staff and is offering reparations and citizenship to the families of those killed in the conflict.
Did youths from other countries also end up in Russia?
Nepal claimed that many of its youngsters were illegally recruited into the military, possibly numbering over two hundred. In January, the Nepali government ceased issuing permits to Russia and Ukraine. Sri Lanka also alleged that Russia and Ukraine deceived its nationals, noting 37 Sri Lankan youths were severely injured, with an unclear death toll. It's mentioned that Nepalese fighters can join the Indian and British armies through a formal agreement, whereas Sri Lankans do not have the permission to serve foreign militaries.
