MEA says, Centre committed to early release of Indians duped into working for Russian army

New Delhi: India has strongly taken up the matter of Indians being duped to work with Russian Army, with the Russian government. Addressing media in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises. He added that the CBI busted a major human trafficking network yesterday after conducting searches in several cities and collecting incriminating evidence. He said a case of human trafficking has been registered against several agents.

The spokesperson once again appealed to Indian nationals to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army. He said this is fraught with danger and risk to life. He said India remains committed to the early release of the nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army and their eventual return home.

In response to another



query, Mr Jaiswal said an Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary (Pakistan Afghanistan Iran) in the Ministry of External Affairs is on a visit to Afghanistan. India opened its technical mission in Kabul in June 2022 and since then, the mission has been facilitating and coordinating India's ongoing humanitarian assistance endeavors. During the visit, the delegation held meetings with senior members of the Afghan authorities. 

The spokesperson said the delegation also met former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, and members of the Afghan business community. The delegation held discussions on India's humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and also discussed the use of the Chabahar Port by Afghan traders. The spokesperson said India has historical and civilizational ties with the Afghan people, and these long-standing linkages will continue to guide the country's approach.