India’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that a number of its citizens had joined the Russian Army for “support jobs” , said the local media in a news report.
According to the report, as many as 18 Indians were stranded in border towns along Russia’s frontier with Ukraine.
While the foreign ministry did not explicitly confirm reports of Indian citizens taking up combat roles, it did state that it was “aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army.”
The ministry assured that the Indian Embassy was actively working with the relevant Russian authorities to secure the early discharge of these individuals.
The report shed light on a concerning aspect of the situation, alleging that Indians had fallen victim to promises made by Dubai-based recruiters, lured with the prospect of high wages and a Russian passport.
According to the report, upon their arrival in Moscow, these Indian nationals were purportedly subjected to training by the Russian army on handling “arms and ammunition” before being dispatched to the frontlines last month.
The foreign ministry’s statement did not delve into the specifics of the roles undertaken by the Indian citizens but emphasized the diplomatic efforts in progress to address the situation.
This revelation raises questions about the circumstances under which these individuals found themselves in such roles and the methods employed by the recruiters to entice them.
The involvement of Indian nationals in support roles for the Russian army adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict in the region, highlighting the global repercussions and the multifaceted nature of the crisis.
