Jaishankar Clarifies Owaisi On His Query On Indians Stuck In Russia

Delhi/Hyderabad, Aug 9 (Maxim News): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that the Indian government is actively pursuing the release of 69 Indian nationals who were recruited into the Russian army, with indications that many were misled into joining. The minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring their safe return and has taken legal action against those responsible for misleading and trafficking these individuals.

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CBI Investigates Human Trafficking Linked to Russian Army Recruitment

Jaishankar disclosed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities in connection with the misleading recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army. Evidence has also been found against 10 human traffickers, whose identities are known to the government. To date, four arrests have been made two on April 24 and two more on May 7.

India Holds Russia Accountable for Assurances on Release

Addressing the seriousness of the situation, Jaishankar stated, “We should not jump the gun and say Russians are not serious on this matter. It is important to hold the Russian government to their word.” He underscored that the primary focus is on the safe return of the 69 Indians, reiterating that Indian citizens should not be serving in the military of any foreign country.

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Prime Minister Modi Raises Issue with President Putin

The minister highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army during his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Jaishankar added that the Russian authorities have maintained that these Indian nationals entered into service contracts with their army, but the Indian government believes that many were misled into signing these contracts under false pretenses.

Status of Indian Nationals in the Russian Army

So far, there have been 91 cases of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army. Of these, eight have passed away, 14 have been discharged or have returned to India with the government’s assistance, and 69 remain awaiting release. Jaishankar provided details on the repatriation efforts, including the return of mortal remains for those who have died.

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Government’s Broader Efforts Against Human Trafficking

In response to queries about cyber trafficking and the exploitation of Indian nationals in Southeast Asia, Jaishankar noted that the government has repatriated 650 Indians from Cambodia, 415 from Myanmar, and 548 from Laos. He stressed the importance of vigilance and cooperation between state and Union governments in combating these issues, stating, “Wherever we find evidence of any infraction of the law, we will very vigorously prosecute the agents involved.”

Conclusion: Commitment to Protecting Indian Nationals

Jaishankar emphasized that the government’s efforts are not politically motivated but are focused on protecting Indian citizens and ensuring their safe return. The collaborative efforts between the government and law enforcement agencies aim to address the broader issue of human trafficking and the unlawful recruitment of Indian nationals into foreign militaries. (Maxim News)

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