NEW DELHI — Reacting
strongly to reports of the death of an Indian national in Russia, India on
Tuesday reiterated its demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indians
currently serving the Russian Army in the conflict zones.
"We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian
national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian
Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has
been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow," said
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Offering condolences to the family of the deceased, the
senior diplomat stated that the Indian Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the
families, and all possible assistance is being rendered.
"We are working with the Russian authorities for early
transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early
discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person. 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," he added.
The plight of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war
is a key concern for New Delhi.
India has maintained that the recruitment of Indian
nationals into the Russian army in a conflict situation is not in consonance
with the India-Russia diplomatic partnership, and has asked for the early
release and return of all such Indian nationals.
Last year, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark
visit to Moscow, Russia had decided to release and facilitate the return of all
Indians fighting for the Russian army against Ukraine.
The breakthrough was achieved when PM Modi raised the matter
at a private dinner hosted by Putin.
Over the last few years, over two dozen Indians were
believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being
tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting
high-paying jobs.
Strong action has been initiated against agents and
unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises, the
authorities had confirmed, last year.
"As a result of concerted efforts by Government, most of
the Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces have been discharged and
several have been repatriated to India. According to available information,
currently only 19 Indian nationals remain in the Russian armed forces.
Government has requested the Russian authorities concerned to provide an update
on the whereabouts of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian armed
forces and also ensure their safety, wellbeing and early discharge,"
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament,
last month.
