India Secures Release of Captive Soldiers from Russia’s Armed Forces

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have led to a major armed struggle, with Russia launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2023. As the struggle rages on, reports have emerged of Russian forces detaining and forcibly conscripting Ukrainian citizens to combat for Russia. However, it has now come to light that not only Ukrainian nationals but also other overseas nationals, such as Indian students and people, have been caught up in the Russian conflict effort.

India intervenes on behalf of its citizens.

Upon receiving information that Indian residents were detained by Russia to serve in its navy operations, the Indian authorities at once jumped into action. The MEA spoke with the Russian government at the highest levels to stabilize the discharge of the Indian nationals who were forcibly drafted into the Russian defence force. After prolonged negotiations and diplomatic efforts, Russia agreed to discharge the captive Indian residents from its navy.

Details on the Captive Indians

While the exact variety and identities of the detained Indians are unknown, reviews advocate that Russian forces had captured Indian college students and migrant workers to serve as infantrymen. Many Indian students pursue clinical studies in Ukraine because of its affordability and proximity. When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, over 18,000 Indian students found themselves caught in a lively war sector.

As Russian troops took control of Ukrainian cities, they reportedly started out by forcing combating elderly individuals into army carriers at gunpoint. Several Indian college students were caught up in these coercive recruitment drives. The discharged Indian captive squaddies are probably students and workers who have been pressured to enrol in the Russian military. India’s Strong Stance Against Forced Conscription

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that India is in opposition to the conscription of any Indian citizen by force and has made its stance abundantly clear to Russia. He said that the Indian prisoners of war have been launched following India’s robust and chronic intervention.

The Indian authorities have maintained that Indian nationals must not be pressured to take part in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine struggle. India has friendly ties with both Russia and Ukraine and has refused to take sides in the war. However, India has virtually stated that it’ll fully shield the rights of its citizens caught up in Ukraine.

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Next Steps for Repatriation

Now that Russia has discharged the captive Indian infantrymen, India will recognize appropriately repatriating them again to India. The Indian government has already undertaken a huge evacuation mission known as ‘Operation Ganga’ to fly Indian residents stranded in Ukraine lower back to India. Over 18,000 Indians had been evacuated from Ukraine because hostilities had broken out. The launched Indian squaddies may also be repatriated through Ukraine’s neighbouring international locations.

India is also operating on evacuating different last-born Indian nationals nevertheless caught in war-torn components of Ukraine, where battles are ongoing. The government reiterates its recommendation that every Indian ought to, without delay, depart Ukraine instead of staying on because of instructional issues. India’s key priority is protecting the lives of its residents.