PM Modi-Putin Meeting: During a private dinner with Vladimir Putin on Monday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of Indian nationals involved in Russia’s army. According to news agency ANI, Russia has agreed to release all Indian nationals following discussions between Modi and Putin during Modi’s visit to Moscow.
Reports indicate that at least two Indian citizens have died in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with many others claiming they were misled into joining the fight.
Sources revealed that PM Modi raised the issue at the dinner, leading Russia to agree to discharge all Indians from their military and assist with their return.
Last week, a top Indian official told Reuters that addressing India’s trade imbalance with Russia and ensuring the release of Indian citizens who were “misled” into fighting in Ukraine were among Modi’s top priorities in Moscow. PTI also reported that India plans to strongly address the issue of Indians recruited for the conflict.
Russia Agrees to Discharge and Return Indian Nationals
Russia has agreed to discharge and facilitate the return of all Indians fighting in the Russian army in Ukraine, marking a significant breakthrough achieved during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow. Sources reported that this development occurred after PM Modi discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their private dinner on Monday.
PM Modi is on a crucial two-day visit to Russia, his first since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Modi’s last visit to Russia was in 2019, and the two leaders last met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan in 2022.
The situation of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war has been a major concern for New Delhi. Reports have emerged of Indians falling victim to job scams, being tricked, and forced to fight for the Russian army, which recruits from other countries. One such group even shared their ordeal on social media, pleading for government intervention.
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Indian Nationals Trapped in Russia
Reports indicate that around 100 Indian nationals were recruited by the Russian military as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, though some sources initially suggested up to 200. Due to the frequent movement of military units and poor communication, Indian authorities have struggled to contact these nationals believed to be on the frontlines.
The Ministry of External Affairs had previously advised Indian citizens to be cautious when seeking job opportunities in Russia.
Many Indians were deceived by recruiting agents from Indian cities and Dubai, leading to jobs with the Russian military. In addition to four fatalities, several Indians have been injured, and many have posted videos on social media pleading for help to escape these jobs.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently uncovered a human trafficking network operating across several states, which lured young men with promises of high-paying jobs in Russia through social media and agents.
Earlier this year, a viral video showed a group of men from Punjab and Haryana, dressed in army uniforms, claiming they were tricked into fighting in Ukraine and urgently requesting help.
Modi, Putin Discuss Ukraine Crisis Amid Global Outrage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, following his arrival in Moscow amid worldwide criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Moscow since Russia began its campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.
During his visit, PM Modi aims to strengthen India’s long-standing relationship with Russia while also pursuing closer security ties with Western nations after his recent re-election.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on state TV that the focus of the talks is to create a conducive atmosphere for meaningful discussions.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why is PM Narendra Modi visiting Moscow?
Ans. PM Narendra Modi is visiting Moscow to meet with President Vladimir Putin and discuss India-Russia relations amid global outrage over Russian strikes in Ukraine.
Q.2. When did PM Modi arrive in Moscow?
Ans. PM Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday, a day before his scheduled talks with President Putin.
Q.3. What is the significance of Modi’s visit to Russia?
Ans. Modi’s visit is significant as it aims to strengthen India’s long-standing relationship with Russia while also seeking closer security ties with Western nations.
Q.4. How long has it been since Modi last visited Moscow?
Ans. This is Modi’s first visit to Moscow since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.
Q.5. What did Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov say about the talks?
Ans. Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere for meaningful interaction during the talks between Modi and Putin.
