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An Indian man, Mohammed Asfan, who was drafted into the Russian army under the guise of a job opportunity, has tragically lost his life in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as confirmed by the Indian embassy in Russia on Wednesday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that they are actively coordinating with the family and Russian authorities to repatriate Asfan's mortal remains back to India.
"We have learned about the tragic death of an Indian national, Shri Mohammed Asfan. We are in touch with the family and Russian authorities. Mission will make efforts to send his mortal remains to India," the Indian embassy in Russia announced on X.
We have learnt about the tragic death of an Indian national Shri Mohammed Asfan. We are in touch with the family and Russian authorities. Mission will make efforts to send his mortal remains to India.@MEAIndia
— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) March 6, 2024
Earlier, the MEA had issued advisories urging Indian citizens to steer clear of the conflict in Ukraine after reports surfaced about Indian nationals being recruited for support roles within the Russian army. The Indian Embassy in Russia has consistently raised concerns with the Russian authorities for the prompt release of these individuals.
"We are aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army. The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge," stated MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaishwal.
Amidst these developments, concerns have been raised about the welfare of individuals like Mohammad Sufiyan from Hyderabad, who allegedly fell victim to deceitful agents and were conscripted into the Russian army to participate in the conflict against Ukraine.
Sufiyan's family, alongside political figures like All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have appealed to the government for the safe evacuation of Indian youths stranded in Russia.
Imran, Sufiyan's brother, recounted the ordeal, revealing the tactics employed by recruiting agents and the desperate plea for governmental intervention.
"My brother was taken by Baba Blocks Company, which has offices in Dubai, Delhi, and Mumbai. They were promised jobs as army helpers but were instead deployed inside Ukrainian borders. We have requested assistance from the Embassy and MEA, but have not received concrete help," Imran said.
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