The Russian Embassy in India has firmly denied allegations that Russia has engaged in any fraudulent activities or covert campaigns to recruit Indian citizens for military service.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Embassy clarified that since April 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defence has ceased the enlistment of citizens from several foreign countries, including India, into the Russian Armed Forces.
The Embassy emphasized that the Russian government has never participated in any public or secretive efforts, especially fraudulent schemes, to enlist Indian nationals in its military. The statement was issued in response to numerous media inquiries following reports of Indian citizens being involved in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The Embassy also expressed its condolences to the Indian government and the families of Indian nationals who have tragically lost their lives while serving in the Russian military. It assured that both Indian and Russian authorities are working closely to ensure the early identification and release of Indian citizens who voluntarily joined the Russian military. Additionally, the Embassy confirmed that all contractual obligations and compensation to the families of the deceased will be fully honored.
The issue of Indians being recruited into the Russian military has drawn significant attention, particularly after several instances of Indian nationals being lured into fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine under the false pretense of lucrative job offers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July, expressed strong concern over the recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian military.
The Russian government has since assured an "early discharge" of these individuals from military service.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently informed the Indian Parliament that 91 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian military, of whom 14 have been discharged and 69 are awaiting release. Unfortunately, eight Indian nationals serving in the Russian forces have reportedly lost their lives.
In April, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered a major human trafficking network operating across India, which was allegedly responsible for sending Indian nationals to the Russia-Ukraine war zone under the guise of offering high-paying jobs abroad. The CBI stated that these traffickers were using social media platforms like YouTube, as well as local contacts and agents, to lure unsuspecting individuals into this dangerous situation.