In an update regarding Delhi’s negotiations with Moscow concerning the return of Indians coerced into fighting for Russia against Ukraine, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is “pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for their early discharge.”
Additionally, Jaiswal mentioned ongoing efforts to repatriate the mortal remains of two deceased Indians in Russia, indicating that paperwork has been completed, and there is a possibility that the remains will be handed over to the families in India by March 16 or 17.
“We also have two people who passed away. The paperwork of their mortal remains has been done. The funeral agency, which we have engaged, has handed over the bodies. We are in touch with the family. We are also in touch with the Russian authorities. And hopefully, we will have the mortal remains in India by the end of this week, that is on Sunday or thereabout. So hopefully, on the 16th or 17th, they’ll be here and then handed over to the family. So that is the update on Russia,” he stated.
#WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We are pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for early discharge of our people who are stuck there. Last time we told you that there were 20 people there who approached us. We also have two people who passed away. On… pic.twitter.com/yxQEP7TRSM
— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024
Jaiswal’s update echoes previous statements made in early March regarding India’s efforts to secure the release of approximately 20 Indian nationals serving as support staff for the Russian army. However, definitive progress on the matter remains elusive.
Media reports indicate that many Indians recruited as security aides in the Russian military have been compelled to engage in combat alongside Russian soldiers.
