Russia's secret bid: Luring Indians to fight in Ukraine
Russia recruits Indian citizens to fight in Ukraine under the pretense of work. The American publication "The Washington Post" has revealed shocking details of this illegal recruitment.
Russia is intensifying its recruitment activities, targeting Indian citizens to fight against Ukraine. As reported by "The Washington Post," nearly 100 Indians have been lured to the front lines under the guise of work or education. Among the victims is a 32-year-old electrician from India, Binil Babu, making him at least the tenth Indian to lose his life in this conflict.
Tensions between India and Russia
India has repeatedly raised concerns about the illegal recruitment of its citizens. "The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," said a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, quoted by the unian.ua service.
Russia consistently denies the allegations and promises the release of Indians from its armed forces. "The Russian Government has at no point of time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit the Indian nationals for military service in Russia," stated the Russian Embassy in New Delhi on August 10.
Recruitment frauds
The families of deceased Indians claim that their relatives were deceived by an international network of recruitment agents and influencers on social media. They were promised high wages for low-skilled jobs such as driving, cooking, plumbing, and electrical repairs. Instead, they were sent to fight against Ukrainians.
Unian.ua reports that two Indians recruited by Russia, contacted by phone in 2024, told reporters that upon arriving in the war zone, they were forced to sign Russian documents, and their passports were confiscated. They also stated that they were sent to fight without sufficient military training.
Investigation in India
The Central Bureau of Investigation in India has launched an investigation into human trafficking against at least 19 individuals and private companies accused of luring workers to Russia. Investigators have stated that agents not only preyed on job seekers but also attempted to enroll students from India "for admission in dubious private universities in Russia."
The son-in-law of the deceased Binil Babu told reporters that for several months before his death, he had been appealing to the Indian embassy in Moscow for his release. However, the commander said he would be sent back to India only after completing a one-year contract.
