Moscow voices remarks on Indians’ coming back from Ukraine battle ground
Date
7/11/2024 7:59:28 AM
(MENAFN) Russian Deputy Envoy to India, Roman Babushkin, underscored Moscow's alignment with New Delhi in facilitating the swift return of Indian nationals who were reportedly involved in the Ukraine conflict, stating in media interviews on Wednesday that both countries share the goal of repatriating these individuals "as quickly as possible."
The statement follows remarks by Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra during his visit to Moscow, where he disclosed that a portion of the estimated 35-50 Indian citizens, who had been drawn to the conflict zone to potentially fight alongside Russian forces, have already returned to India with assistance from Russian authorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised concerns over this issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their recent bilateral summit. Babushkin emphasized that the Russian military does not actively recruit foreign fighters, asserting that there is no shortage of volunteers within Russia itself.
He highlighted that individuals of Indian origin found in the conflict area had ventured there for "purely commercial reasons," such as seeking better economic opportunities, including the prospect of obtaining facilitated Russian citizenship through contracts signed under dubious circumstances.
Reports indicate that many of these individuals were initially lured to Russia under false pretenses of lucrative job offers or educational opportunities, likely orchestrated by human traffickers. Babushkin stressed the necessity of crackdowns on such agencies operating in both India and Russia to prevent exploitation.
The collaborative efforts between Russia and India aim to address these challenges and ensure the safe return of Indian citizens caught up in the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagements and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
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