Indians in Russian Army: A Crisis of Human Trafficking and Diplomatic Challenges
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-Russia relations, Russia-Ukraine conflict); Indian Diaspora.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Social empowerment; Poverty and developmental issues; Role of women (impact on families).
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, IR): "India and its neighborhood- relations"; "Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests"; "Indian diaspora"; "Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections"; "Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Human Resources" (Human Trafficking).
General Studies Paper 3 (Security): "Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security" (Trafficking networks).
Key Highlights from the News
Several Indians who were forced to join the Russian army in the Russia-Ukraine war are stranded on the war front.
Youths are being deceived with promises of non-combat jobs like agents, helper, construction sector, and logistics.
After reaching Russia, their passports confiscated, and after a short training, they are forcibly sent to the war front.
Two Indians have been killed in this war already. Families have lost contact with many since September.
The Ministry of External Affairs - MEA of India has discussed this issue with the Russian government in Delhi and Moscow.
Despite the assurance from Russia in August 2024 that the recruitment of Indians into the army has stopped, many Indians are still stranded on the battlefield.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "personally" discussed this issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July 2024.
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