Russia deceitfully lured about 100 Indians into war against Ukraine - WP
Russians are recruiting mercenaries from around the world for the war with Ukraine (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Russia deceived nearly 100 Indian citizens into fighting against Ukraine and is reluctant to release them despite requests from the Indian authorities, reports The Washington Post.
According to the Indian government's statement and conversations with the families of the mercenaries, Russia lured nearly 100 Indians with offers of employment or education. However, they were later forced into military service to fight against Ukraine.
Notably, in January, 32-year-old electrician Binil Babu from the southern state of Kerala became at least the tenth Indian to die in the war, prompting a strong response from the authorities.
"The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," said a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs.
The Kremlin consistently denies any accusations and promises to release the Indians from the armed forces. However, despite close contact between the governments of the two countries, those Indians who have been drafted into the Russian army cannot avoid combat.
"The allegedly fraudulent recruitment has emerged over the past year as a recurring point of tension between India and Russia, even as the two countries have expanded their economic and military ties," writes The Washington Post.
On January 14, it was reported that another Indian citizen had died in the war in Ukraine, while another was injured. Official New Delhi stated that it is working on the prompt demobilization of its citizens from the ranks of the Russian forces.
Russia has received foreign reinforcements, including 11,000 North Korean military personnel, some of whom are being deployed in combat in the Kursk region. However, Russia continues to attempt to recruit mercenaries from around the world. Recently, reports emerged about the training of mercenaries from Cuba and African countries at a training ground in occupied Crimea.
