Illegal Immigration to Russia? Russia Investigates fake recruitment of Indians in Army

On Wednesday, the Russian Embassy in Delhi addressed the issue of Indians allegedly being recruited into the Russian Army. Roman Babushkin, the Chargé d’Affaires, expressed alignment with the Indian government’s stance on the matter and acknowledged the presence of over 100 Indian recruits.

However, Babushkin emphasized that these individuals are not involved in any conflict zones.

All Indian nationals in Russia are there on visitor or business visas, and we have no mechanism for recruiting Indian or other foreign nationals into our army,” Babushkin stated.

Responding to media queries related to the repatriation of the Indians in the Russian Army, he further explained that a special investigation is underway to identify and prosecute the agents responsible for the fraudulent recruitment.

The recruitment issue has been a significant concern, especially given that nearly two dozen Indians were allegedly recruited to fight in the ongoing Ukraine war under false pretence. Many of these individuals were reportedly lured by agents promising lucrative jobs in Russia.

Earlier this year, a video circulated widely on social media showed men from Punjab and Haryana in military uniforms, claiming they had been misled into joining the Ukraine conflict. These men pleaded for assistance from the Indian government, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

In March, the Indian government took decisive action by raising the issue with Russian authorities, demanding the immediate release of the recruits. The government also announced stringent measures against the agents and individuals involved in the deceptive recruitment practices.

The swift response from both the Indian and Russian governments aim to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities.

The collaboration between the two nations underscores the importance of addressing such critical issues through diplomatic channels and maintaining the safety and rights of citizens abroad.

As investigations continue, it remains crucial to ensure that the agents responsible for these fraudulent activities are held accountable.

The Indian government’s proactive measures and the cooperation from Russian authorities provide hope for the safe return of those affected and the prevention of similar incidents in the future.

Source : https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-illegal-immigration-to-russia-russia-investigates-fake-recruitment-of-indians-in-army-3549606/#google_vignette