BLITZ BUREAU
NEW DELHI: Russia has decided to release and facilitate the return of all Indians fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, a breakthrough achieved after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin during his Moscow visit, sources said on July 9.
The development came after PM Modi, raised the matter at a private dinner hosted by Putin on July 8 evening, sources added.Nearly two dozen Indians are believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting high-paying jobs.
In March, the Indian government said they had strongly taken up the matter with Russian authorities for their early discharge.
“Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises,” they said.
According to reports, four Indians have been killed in the war, while 10 have returned to the country. About 35–40 Indians are still believed to be stuck in Russia. The plight of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war is a key concern for New Delhi.
Two Indians, Ashvinbhai Mangukiya and Mohammad Asfan (both from Gujarat), were reported killed in the Ukraine war earlier this year. Two others were reported killed in June.
