External Affairs Minister’s Critical Update on Indian Nationals in Russian Army
On August 9, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided a significant update in the Lok Sabha regarding the status of 69 Indian nationals currently enlisted in the Russian Army. This development follows growing concerns over the recruitment of Indians into foreign military service and cyber trafficking issues involving Southeast Asian countries.
Government’s Response to Recruitment and Trafficking Issues
Minister Jaishankar revealed that the Indian government is actively pursuing the release of the 69 individuals who were recruited into the Russian Army. Out of a total of 91 cases, the government has managed to secure the return of 14 individuals, while eight have sadly passed away. The remaining 69 are still awaiting release. The Minister underscored that many of these nationals might have been deceived about the nature of their enlistment.
Jaishankar elaborated on the government’s serious approach to these issues, emphasizing that the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had previously raised the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Minister’s statements reflect the heightened diplomatic engagement to resolve the situation swiftly and ensure the safe return of Indian nationals.
Diplomatic Engagement and Government Assurance
The External Affairs Minister highlighted that despite the Russian authorities’ stance—that the Indian nationals entered into legitimate contracts for military service—the Indian government disputes this claim. Jaishankar suggested that many of these individuals were misled into joining the Russian Army under false pretenses. The government believes that the Indians were promised different roles but were subsequently deployed in military service.
In response to these concerns, Prime Minister Modi secured a commitment from President Putin to ensure the discharge and release of any Indian nationals currently serving in the Russian Army. This assurance marks a critical step in resolving the issue and reflects the Indian government’s firm stance on protecting its citizens abroad.
Ongoing Efforts and International Cooperation
The situation underscores the need for robust international cooperation to address complex issues like cross-border recruitment and trafficking. The Indian government continues to work with Russian authorities and other international partners to address the challenges posed by these cases. This diplomatic effort highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding the rights and safety of Indian nationals overseas.
The involvement of high-level diplomatic channels and the engagement of the Prime Minister demonstrate the gravity with which India is treating the matter. The government’s commitment to resolving these issues underscores its dedication to ensuring that its citizens are not exploited or deceived in foreign jurisdictions.
Summary
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent address in the Lok Sabha brought to light the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 69 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Army. With eight deceased and 14 returned, the government is focusing on retrieving the remaining individuals, who were potentially misled about their enlistment. The issue has received high-level attention, including intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin for the release of the affected individuals.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Action | The Indian government is working to secure the release of 69 nationals recruited into the Russian Army. |
| Current Status | Out of 91 cases, eight have died, 14 have returned, and 69 are still awaiting release. |
| Diplomatic Engagement | Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar have engaged with Russian authorities for resolution. |
| Disputed Recruitment | The Indian government disputes the claim that nationals entered legitimate contracts for military service. |
| International Cooperation | The issue underscores the need for international cooperation to address cross-border recruitment and trafficking. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
