Context:
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Rajya Sabha that 202 Indian nationals have been recruited or coerced into service with the Russian armed forces since 2022, after the start of the Russia–Ukraine war.
- The issue was raised during a Parliamentary question, highlighting concerns over illegal recruitment, safety of Indian nationals abroad, and diplomatic engagement with Russia.
Key Highlights:
Issue Details:
- Out of 202 Indians recruited:
- 119 have been discharged early following government intervention.
- 26 Indians have reportedly died.
- 7 Indians remain missing, as reported by the Russian side.
- Last two Indian nationals who died were cremated in Russia.
Government Response & Actions:
- The Government of India is continuously engaging with the Russian government to ensure:
- Safety and well-being of Indian nationals.
- Early discharge of remaining Indians from Russian armed forces.
- The matter is being discussed at multiple diplomatic levels:
- Leadership-level interactions
- Ministerial engagements
- Official-level communications
Repatriation & Humanitarian Assistance:
- The MEA assisted in repatriating mortal remains of 10 deceased Indian nationals.
- Local cremation was arranged for two deceased Indians in Russia.
- DNA samples of family members of 18 Indians reported dead or missing were shared with Russian authorities for identification.
Modus Operandi of Recruitment:
- Several Indians reportedly went to Russia on student or tourist visas.
- They were allegedly misled by agents with promises of civilian jobs (cleaners/helpers).
- Later, they were forcibly or deceptively enlisted into the Russian Army.
Recent Developments:
- Despite assurances by Moscow in 2024 that it would no longer admit Indians, cases of enlistment have reportedly continued.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Illegal recruitment/forced enlistment of Indian nationals in foreign armed forces.
- Causes:
- Exploitation by unscrupulous agents.
- Economic vulnerability and lack of awareness.
- Ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.
- Government Initiatives:
- Diplomatic engagement through MEA.
- Repatriation of mortal remains.
- DNA verification and consular assistance.
- Impact:
- Loss of Indian lives abroad.
- Strain on consular and diplomatic mechanisms.
- Challenges:
- Identifying missing nationals in a war zone.
- Preventing future illegal recruitment networks.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Key Concepts:
- Consular protection of citizens abroad.
- International humanitarian law and armed conflict.
- Human trafficking and forced recruitment.
- Static & Constitutional Linkages:
- Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty (extraterritorial protection through state action).
- Role of MEA and Indian missions abroad.
- Ethical & Governance Dimensions:
- State responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens.
- Accountability of recruitment agents and intermediaries.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen regulation and monitoring of overseas recruitment agents.
- Increase public awareness campaigns about overseas job frauds.
- Enhance bilateral agreements on protection of migrant workers.
- Establish early warning and tracking mechanisms for Indians in conflict zones.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS II: India’s foreign policy, role of MEA, protection of Indians abroad
- GS III: Internal security – human trafficking, organised crime networks
- GS IV: Ethics – state responsibility, human dignity, humanitarian concerns