The Russo-Ukraine conflict began in February 2014 by Russia to increase its geopolitical influence and prevent Ukraine from integrating with NATO. Significant escalations were seen in February 2022 with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. This is considered the biggest European land war after World War II, with many countries, including EU, NATO members, China and North Korea, being involved. Amidst the war, Indian nationals are being duped into the war by joining the Russian army under deception. Major human trafficking networks extending from New Delhi to Tamil Nadu used social media platforms and local agents offering them lucrative job opportunities and education to what the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) refers to as the “dubious private universities” and “free discounted” visa extensions, thereby luring them to Russia. This issue first came to light in January 2024, when the media reports revealed that the Russian army was duping the Indian nationals because of the desperation of Russia for more manpower after losing its soldiers to Ukraine.
Though India stands neutral in the war, this situation calls for an intervention to rescue and protect its citizens trapped in Russia. This critical condition raised questions about accountability, the international recruitment process and the role of the Indian Government in safeguarding the citizens in Russia.
Passports of the Indian nationals were seized upon reaching Russia, and they faced threats of imprisonment or violence if they tried to resist their demands. Besides, most of the people lured by the agents were hired as “helpers” in the Russian army with a high salary. Many people were ready to travel to Russia because of financial desperation, aiming to be economically stable despite the war. Lack of awareness about the war zone also prevailed, and many did not know the full extent of the Russia-Ukraine war. Soon after they reach Russia, the scene alters, and they realise they are made to fight for Russia in the war. Initially, they were promised non-combatant roles but later trained to use the Kalashnikov rifle and other arms. Though they lacked proper military training, they were made to participate in the war against their will and wishes. Soon, they find themselves deployed on the frontline of the war, and they are deprived of basic facilities such as food, water and shelter, especially in a situation where they are trapped in a war scenario.
According to The Times of India, a 22-year-old Mohammed Sufiyan from Telangana district, along with three other people from Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, were victims of job fraud where they were initially promised jobs of “army security helpers”, but on arriving, they were forcefully made to join the Russian army. The recruiters sent them to Russia in December 2023, offering them high-salaried jobs, more than two lakhs per month. The Indian nationals said they were posted only 40 km from the Ukraine border, which was very much against their will. Following the death of two Indians, Hemil Ashvinbhai and Mohammad Asfan, during an “explosion” in the Donetsk region on the Russia-Ukraine border, Sufiyan and the other Indians with him decided to petition the Indian government reportedly via a video. A month later, the two Indians were killed, and Sufiyan and others were asked to go to the frontline to supply food and other amenities to the soldiers. Later, their contract was cancelled, and on September 10, they finally reached India on 13 September 2024, with the help of the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Recently, a 32-year-old Binil TB was killed on the frontlines while fighting for Russia. Along with him, a 27-year-old Jain TK sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Moscow. Both are residents of Wadakkanchery in the Thrissur district of Kerala.
During a weekly press briefing session, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), claimed that they had taken this matter to the Russian authorities for the release of the Indians trapped in the Russian army. Moreover, decisive actions have been taken against the agents who recruited people under deception. Simultaneously, Indian authorities have arrested four people involved in the trafficking network. These arrests were made after raids from almost 13 locations across India. Similarly, at least 16 Sri Lankan citizens were also trapped and killed in the war. They were also lured with the promise of high salaries and would be appointed as “security helpers”. Also, the Russian army had recruited approximately 200 citizens from Nepal, and their foreign ministry has confirmed that six of them died serving the Russian military. The government of India has also appealed to citizens not to fall under the offers of agents for support jobs in the Russian army.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over the issue with Putin during his visit to Moscow in July 2024, following which the Russian government agreed to release the Indian nationals from the Russian army. As of October 2024, 85 citizens from the Russian military have been released, with efforts to discharge 20 more.
These incidents show the vulnerabilities and plight of migrants working in conflict zones. Hence, it calls for stronger regulations and increasing vigilance on recruitment practices by the government to safeguard their citizens. This incident urges the Indian government to take preventive measures, including an awareness campaign, particularly for migrant workers, to protect the citizens and prevent exploitation. With millions of citizens abroad, the government should strengthen its crisis management framework to respond swiftly to unexpected emergencies like Russia-Ukraine war.
