Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on July 3 pressed for the safe and expeditious return of Indian nationals currently in the war zone in Ukraine during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This meeting was on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana.
“Wide ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership and contemporary issues. Noted the progress in many areas since our last meeting in December 2023. Raised our strong concern on Indian nationals who are currently in the war zone. Pressed for their safe and expeditious return,” Jaishankar posted on X after his meeting with Lavrov. “Also discussed the global strategic landscape and exchanged assessments and views,” he added.
The Indian Government had revealed last month that two Indian nationals recruited by the Russian Army have been killed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.Later, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that as many as 10 Indians recruited by the Russian Army have been released and repatriated back to India.
The ministry had strongly taken up the matter with the Russian Ambassador in New Delhi and with Russian authorities in Moscow for early release and return of all Indian nationals who are with the Russian Army.India had also demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of its nationals by the Russian Army.
“Such activities would not be in consonance with our partnership. We also urge Indian nationals to exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia,” the MEA stated on June 11.
After meeting Lavrov, the EAM paid homage to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Pushkin Park in Astana. He was also joined by members of the Indian community and friends of India.
