3 Indians 'forced' into Russian ranks against Ukraine: Report

ISTANBUL

At least three Indian citizens have been “forced” into the ranks on the Russian side in conflict with Ukraine, a media report claimed on Wednesday.

The trio was among many others stranded at Mariupol, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Rostov-on-Don along the Russia-Ukraine border, and “one person is said to have been killed in the ongoing war,” Indian daily The Hindu reported.

They have been in the region since last November, recruited for work through agents, it said.

The Russia-Ukraine war completes two years this week after Moscow launched its “special military operation” against Kyiv on Feb. 24 in 2022.

Earlier, reports claimed that at least two Indians had joined Ukraine’s “International Legion” against Russia.

“The presence of Indians on the Russian side in combat role has been reported the first time,” reported the daily based in southern Chennai city.

Indian lawmaker Asaduddin Owaisi, who had flagged the issue last month, again appealed Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday to bring the men home.

“Their lives are at risk and their families are justifiably worried,” Owaisi said on X, referring to Indian citizens who belong to Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir states.

New Delhi was yet to formally issue a statement on the matter, while the daily said: “Many of those who claim being forced into labor at the border don’t want to leave the country. Many of them have paid high fees to recruiters to reach opportunities abroad and do not wish to be repatriated without having earned some money to repatriate to their families in India."

"As a result, officials say their hands are tied, although they are willing to help in any case involving Indian citizens in distress,” it added.

Notably, Nepal asked Russia to return its hundreds of citizens who were fighting against Ukraine. At least 14 of them had died.