'Pressing for early discharge': MEA on Indians coerced into fighting for Russia against Ukraine
For representative use.
In an update regarding Delhi's negotiations with Moscow concerning the return of Indians coerced into fighting for Russiaagainst Ukraine, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is "pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for their early discharge."
Additionally, Jaiswal mentioned ongoing efforts to repatriate the mortal remains of two deceased Indians in Russia, indicating that paperwork has been completed, and there is a possibility that the remains will be handed over to the families in India by March 16 or 17.
"We also have two people who passed away. The paperwork of their mortal remains has been done. The funeral agency, which we have engaged, has handed over the bodies. We are in touch with the family. We are also in touch with the Russian authorities. And hopefully, we will have the mortal remains in India by the end of this week, that is on Sunday or thereabout. So hopefully, on the 16th or 17th, they'll be here and then handed over to the family. So that is the update on Russia," he stated.
Jaiswal's update echoes previous statements made in early March regarding India's efforts to secure the release of approximately 20 Indian nationals serving as support staff for the Russian army. However, definitive progress on the matter remains elusive.
Media reports indicate that many Indians recruited as security aides in the Russian military have been compelled to engage in combat alongside Russian soldiers.
It may be noted, recently India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busted a people trafficking network on Thursday (Mar 7) which was allegedly sending young people to the Russia-Ukraine war zone under the guise of lucrative jobs.
Officials said that the crime investigating agency is conducting searches across Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. According to the officials, the government agency registered an FIR against various visa consultancy firms and agents.
Recent reports have highlighted that many Indians have been recruited as security helpers in the Russian military, and they have even been forced to fight with Russian soldiers in certain areas along Russia's border with Ukraine.