Shafaqna India: All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi questioned India’s external affairs minister on Friday, August 9, about the government’s efforts to repatriate Indians who were misled into the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Owaisi expressed concerns about the safety of Indians in Russia and asked whether the Indian embassy would ensure that those stranded at the Russia-Ukraine border are brought to Moscow. He highlighted that eight Indians had died, including two from Punjab and Haryana, whose bodies have not been returned despite DNA confirmation. Additionally, he mentioned a missing Kashmiri boy named Zahoor.
Owaisi also criticized the individuals involved in misleading Indian youth, suggesting that their passports should be canceled and a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued. He questioned whether India should halt oil purchases from Russia if the Russian government is not cooperating.
In response, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that while eight Indians had died in service with the Russian armed forces, efforts are being made to return their remains. Four bodies have already been sent to India, and arrangements are being made for the rest. Jaishankar also noted that the CBI is investigating those involved in trafficking, and the government is following up on these cases.
Regarding negotiations with Russia, Jaishankar assured that Prime Minister Modi has discussed the issue with the Russian President, who has committed to resolving the matter. The goal is to repatriate the 69 Indians stranded in the conflict zone, emphasizing that Indian citizens should not be involved in foreign military service.
