A Washington Post report has highlighted the tragic death of an Indian man working for the Russian army in Ukraine, reigniting concerns over the Kremlin’s use of foreign nationals – from North Koreans to Cubans – on the front lines. The incident has also brought attention to a contentious issue in the otherwise strong ties between New Delhi and Moscow.
Indian government officials and families of the men sent to fight in Ukraine have reported that nearly 100 Indians were enticed to Russia with promises of jobs or educational opportunities, only to find themselves coerced into military service. According to The Washington Post, Binil Babu, a 32-year-old electrician from Kerala, became at least the 10th Indian casualty of the war this month, prompting a sharp reaction from New Delhi.
“We have taken up this matter forcefully with the Russian authorities in Moscow and with the Russian embassy in New Delhi,” said a spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs. “We have reiterated our demand for the immediate release of the remaining Indian nationals.”
Russia, however, has denied any wrongdoing. The Russian embassy in New Delhi stated in August that it had never engaged in any schemes to recruit Indian nationals for military service. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, when asked about the issue in July, refused to comment, and there have been no official Russian statements since. However, Russian media have reported that the issue was discussed in diplomatic meetings, as noted by The Washington Post.
Despite close cooperation between the two governments, Indian recruits like Babu are reportedly unable to escape the conflict, as the Russian military refuses to release them, according to The Washington Post.
This alleged fraudulent recruitment scheme has become a significant source of tension between India and Russia in the past year, even as the two countries continue to strengthen their economic and military ties.
“It’s deeply painful to see innocent Indians still trapped in this conflict,” said Ashwin Mangukiya, whose 23-year-old son Hemil was the first Indian to die in the war last year. “The Indian government has failed to act by arresting the agents who exploit people’s ignorance and lure them into such dangerous situations,” Mangukiya told The Washington Post.
Families say most recruits were duped by a network of international employment agents and social media influencers who promised high-paying jobs in areas such as driving, plumbing, and electrical repairs. Once in Ukraine, many were forced to sign Russian documents they could not read, and their passports were confiscated. Some were then coerced into fighting alongside Russian soldiers with minimal training, as reported by The Washington Post.
After several Indian casualties, Indian officials intervened with Russian counterparts, successfully negotiating the release of dozens of men pressed into military service. During a July meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanded the prompt release of those who had been “misled,” according to The Washington Post.
However, some individuals remain caught in the conflict. Last month, an Indian government official confirmed that 19 Indian citizens were still serving in the Russian army, as reported by The Washington Post.
This issue has become a rare point of contention in the otherwise flourishing relationship between India and Russia. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, trade between the two countries has soared, helping Russia weather the impact of Western sanctions. India is now the second-largest importer of Russian crude oil, following China, with purchases totaling $46 billion in the last fiscal year.
Before his death, Babu had repeatedly pleaded with the Indian embassy in Moscow for his release, according to the Indian Express. His brother-in-law, Saneesh Scaria, told The Washington Post that Babu was advised by the embassy to inform his commander that Prime Minister Modi had canceled their agreements. However, the commander reportedly insisted that Babu could leave only after completing his one-year contract.
In response to the growing issue, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation launched a human-trafficking probe nearly a year ago, targeting individuals and private companies accused of luring workers to Russia. The investigation also focused on agencies allegedly recruiting Indian students for dubious universities in Russia. Four people were arrested in May on charges of fraud, human trafficking, and conspiracy, but they were later released on bail, and the case has made little progress since, as reported by The Washington Post.
“We have lost what was written in our fate,” said the father of Hemil Mangukiya, the first Indian soldier to be killed in battle. “The government must do something.”
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