Minister S Jaishankar Discusses Stranded Indians in Russia-Ukraine Conflict with Sergey Lavrov

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Kazakhstan to discuss the issue of Indians stranded in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone. Jaishankar expressed strong concerns about Indian citizens being pressed into service with the Russian Army and emphasized the need for their quick return to India.

Jaishankar stated, “Very clearly and strongly… several Indians have been pressed into service with the Russian Army. Only when they come back will we know the full circumstances. But whatever the circumstances are, to us it is unacceptable that Indian citizens find themselves in the army of another country in a warzone. I told him that we seek their cooperation and that they are our friend and partners. We have to find a way so that these people can return to India as quickly and effectively as possible.”

He further mentioned that Lavrov appreciated the point and that the Indian Foreign Ministry has been in talks with the Russian Defence Ministry. Jaishankar urged for a stronger follow-up and committed to continuing efforts until all Indians return home.

Additionally, Jaishankar spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Russia, calling it a great opportunity for both leaders to discuss the growing economic relationship between the two countries. He noted the importance of the annual summits and the significant growth in economic ties with Russia.

Notably, around 20 Indians were allegedly duped into fighting for the Russian Army on the pretext of lucrative jobs, with at least two Indians having died. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 10 Indian nationals working as support staff in the Russian Army have returned to India. Earlier this year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busted a major human trafficking network that targeted Indian nationals with promises of lucrative jobs abroad but sent them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone.