The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday that around 20 Bharatiyas are presently stranded in Russia, and Bharat is actively coordinating with Russian authorities in New Delhi and Moscow to facilitate their prompt repatriation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the cautionary advisories to Bharatiya nationals, urging them to avoid venturing into conflict zones or precarious situations to ensure their safety and well-being.
“We have an understanding that 20-odd people are stuck. We are trying our level best for their early discharge. We have issued two statements which you saw. We’ve also told people not to venture into the war zone or get caught into situations which are difficult. We are in regular touch with Russian authorities both here in New Delhi and also in Moscow,” Jaiswal said during a regular press briefing.
The Ministry of External Affairs declared on Thursday that approximately 20 Bharatiyas are currently stranded in Russia. Bharat is actively collaborating with Russian authorities in New Delhi and Moscow to ensure their swift repatriation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the cautionary advisories to Bharatiya nationals, urging them to steer clear of conflict zones or precarious situations to safeguard their safety and well-being.
Mohammad Sufiyan, hailing from Hyderabad, is among numerous youths allegedly deceived by certain agents and coerced into participating in Russia’s current conflict against Ukraine. Sufiyan’s family has appealed to the central government and the Ministry of External Affairs for the safe evacuation of the stranded youths in Russia, as well as for stringent measures against the agents responsible for their predicament.
“My brother was taken by Baba Blocks Company, which has offices in Dubai, Delhi, and Mumbai. The first batch went out on November 12, 2023. A total of 21 youths were sent and Rs 3 lakh was taken from each one of them. They were made to sign an agreement in Russia on November 13,” said Sufiyan’s brother Imran to news agency ANI.
23-year-old Bharatiya national reportedly killed in war
Days after the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged that Bharatiya youths were recruited for support roles, reports emerged of a 23-year-old being killed in a drone attack on the battlefield in the Ukraine conflict. Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya, from Surat, Gujarat, reportedly lost his life in Donetsk near Russia’s border on February 21.
While the Bharatiya government refrained from directly mentioning the death, it rebutted media reports on Monday, labeling them as “inaccurate.” The reports claimed that Indians serving with the Russian army sought assistance for discharge. MEA spokesperson Jaiswal affirmed that each case had been vigorously pursued with Russian authorities.
Bharat on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Speaking on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has entered its third year, Jaiswal said, “Our position is very well known. We have said this at various levels, at the highest levels, that Bharat desires that there be discussion, diplomacy, and constant engagement so that both sides can come together and find a solution for peace. So our position is maintained.”
Following recent events, Bharat questioned the efficacy of the UN Security Council in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for two years. Bharat’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, emphasized the need for reforming outdated structures to enhance the effectiveness of multilateralism. She reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022, expressing concern that the current era should not be characterized by warfare. Bharat’s stance underscores the call for modernizing international institutions to address contemporary challenges and promote global peace and stability.
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