Two Indians killed in Ukraine conflict – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

New Delhi said two Indians have been killed in the Ukraine conflict and urged its citizens to "exercise vigilance" as human traffickers are allegedly luring people to the conflict zone with promises of high-paying jobs with the Russian military.

India's foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that it has "urged the Russian authorities," including the defence ministry, to expeditiously repatriate the remains of the two men killed in the conflict zone. Their names have not been made public.

The ministry also said it had called for the "prompt release and repatriation" of all Indians believed to be fighting alongside Russian forces. "India also demands a verifiable halt to further recruitment of our nationals by Russian forces." Such activities are against our partnership," he said.

This comes three months after India's top investigating agency busted a human trafficking ring that brought young Indians to Russia with the promise of high-paying job opportunities. 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it had conducted raids in several locations in India, including Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. It also took legal action against several visa consultancies and agencies involved in the conspiracy.

Following the CBI revelations, a Ministry of External Affairs spokesman said action had been taken against "agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited [people] under false pretenses and promises." "We reiterate our appeal to Indian nationals not to be influenced by offers from agents to help them with jobs in the Russian Army." This poses great danger and endangers lives,” he added at the time.

The people were allegedly lured to Russia with promises of high-paying jobs and security guarantees, but no mention was made of deployment to conflict-hit areas. The agents in charge of recruiting the personnel allegedly charged a hefty fee of Rs 350,000 (US$4,230) from each individual to arrange their trip to Russia.

The investigation was launched following the tragic death of Mohammed Ahsan (30), a native of Hyderabad, earlier this year. He was allegedly duped into traveling to Russia and signing a contract with the Russian military.

Moscow is yet to comment on the development. In May, foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russian authorities were not "recruiting" Indian nationals.

In response to a question from Indian media, Zakharova said, "When it comes to recruitment, as you mentioned, no (Russian) officials are involved." She added that the Russian government would look into "any specific information" that was submitted.