According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), approximately 35 individuals have been dispatched to Russia as part of this scheme, a number nearly double the previously reported figure of 20 by the Indian foreign ministry.

Tragically, at least two men who anticipated working as “helpers” in the army in Russia have lost their lives while engaged in frontline combat, as confirmed by their families and the Indian Embassy in Russia.

The traffickers, operating across various Indian states, used social media platforms and local agents to target their victims, as stated in the CBI’s announcement.

These trafficked Indian nationals were coerced into combat roles and stationed at frontline bases within the Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their will, according to the statement.

The foreign ministry emphasized that each instance of Indians being deceived into participating in the conflict had been strongly addressed with Moscow.

New Delhi and Moscow have enjoyed a close relationship for decades, and India has refused to condemn Russia over the war with Ukraine, urging the two sides to end the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.