WATCH VIDEO | Punjab family rejoices as Russia agrees early discharge of all Indian soldiers serving in Russian army
In the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow, Russia agreed to discharge all Indian soldiers serving in the Russian army
Modi-Putin meet: In the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow, Russia agreed to discharge all Indian soldiers serving in the Russian army.
At least two Indians have died fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine, while dozens of people trapped in the conflict claim they were duped into joining the fight.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra says, "The Prime Minsiter strongly raised the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals who have been misled into the service of the Russian army. This was taken strongly by the PM, the Russian side promised early discharge of all Indian nationals from the service of the Russian army... In the nuclear energy field, the continuing cooperation on the Kudankulam nuclear power projects units three to six was discussed between two leaders."
Gurdaspur family rejoices as Russia agrees early discharge of all Indian soldiers
Family of a youth who is in the Russian Army feels happiness after PM Narendra Modi talks with President Putin.
On PM Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Balvinder Singh, father of Gagandeep Singh who is in the Russian Army, says, "My son went from home on 24th December on a tourist visa (to Russia). He was duped by a taxi driver who left him and his friends stranded on a highway there. The Russian police caught them and handed them over to the Army there. Later, they were made to sign a form and taken to a camp, where they were given 11-day training with rifles. They fought in the Ukraine war and stayed in bunkers. They are currently 100 km behind the war zone. PM Modi is in Russia and he has spoken for the release of Indians in the war zone."
A viral video released earlier this year showed a group of men from Punjab and Haryana dressed in army uniforms alleging they were duped into fighting the war in Ukraine and reiterating their call for assistance.
In March, the government stated that they had "strongly" followed the matter with Russian authorities to ensure their early release. "Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises," they added.
Indian officials have also conducted raids and busted a group that trafficked Indians to Russia. During the raids, it was discovered that these firms had sent at least 35 Indians to Russia, however, an official stated it was uncertain whether all of them were forced to fight in the war.