India has advised its citizens to avoid involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict following reports of Indian nationals, initially hired for support roles with the Russian Army, being compelled to join Russian troops in combat.
Ministry of External Affairs Issues Advisory
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that some Indians had taken up support positions and stated that efforts were underway to secure their release. However, it urged all Indian nationals to exercise caution and stay away from the conflict.
According to the statement, India has raised the matter with the Russian side and has advised the Indians there to exercise caution.
“The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict.”
Media reports highlighted the predicament of Indians, allegedly forced to fight alongside Russian troops near the Ukraine border. There were also instances of Indian nationals stranded at various locations along the Russia-Ukraine border, with unverified reports of casualties among them.
Politicians like Asaduddin Owaisi and officials from Karnataka have appealed to the government to facilitate the return of these individuals, many of whom are from Karnataka, Telangana, and Jammu and Kashmir.
According to reports in sections of the media, concerns have been raised about the recruitment process, with allegations that recruitment agents, possibly associated with the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, deceived individuals into combat roles.
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge and relatives of affected individuals have criticized these practices. Similar incidents involving Nepalese citizens recruited by the Russian military have also been reported, prompting Nepal’s government to appeal to Russia to cease such practices and ensure the return of Nepalese nationals.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, is entering its third year. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has documented over 30,000 civilian casualties since the conflict began, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.
India’s advisory underscores its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens amidst the escalating conflict. Efforts are underway to address the plight of stranded nationals and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the region, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in restoring peace and stability to Ukraine.