Families May Face Year-Long Wait for Death Certificates of Youths Killed in Russia-Ukraine War

Swift Summary

• Families of Indian nationals recruited by Russia for the war in Ukraine face delays in receiving death certificates for deceased members. Many recruits were reportedly tricked with false promises of lucrative jobs.
• Currently, there are 13 Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces; though, Russian authorities report that 12 are missing.
• Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that Russia has been urged to provide updates on these individuals’ safety and ensure their discharge.
• binil Babu,a 32-year-old from thrissur forcibly enlisted by Russia,was reportedly killed in January during a shelling attack but is still listed as missing. Confirmation may take up to a year to issue a death certificate according to Ajith kolassery,CEO of NoRKA-Roots.
• Official statistics reveal that out of 127 Indians initially enlisted by Russia, services of 98 have been discontinued following efforts by Indian authorities.
• More Indians are suspected to have joined as mercenaries without immediate threats on the warfront but their families remain reluctant to make rescue pleas.
• Previously another Keralite named Sandeep Chandran died during shelling in August 2024.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The recruitment and subsequent loss or disappearance of Indian nationals in foreign conflicts raise pressing concerns about exploitation through misinformation or coercion tactics targeting vulnerable job seekers abroad. While governmental intervention has led to the discontinuation of many enlistments and sustained diplomatic engagement continues with Russia over missing individuals, the prolonged delays in confirming deaths underline challenges with bureaucratic processes amidst wartime uncertainty.

Important ethical questions emerge about accountability-for both nations involved-regarding human trafficking-like circumstances leading some Indians into forced participation. These developments highlight India’s growing responsibility not only towards protecting its citizens from recruitment traps abroad but also ensuring timely information exchange and resolution for affected families through consistent diplomatic measures.

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