Indians return home after fighting in Russia"s war zone

In recent developments, dozens of Indian men who were misled into fighting for Russian forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine have begun returning home. The Indian government confirmed that Russia discharged many of the 91 Indians involved, with some already back in India while efforts continue to repatriate the remaining individuals. Many of these recruits, primarily blue-collar workers aged 19 to 35, were promised jobs and financial incentives by agents operating in India, Dubai, and Russia. The recruits faced significant challenges, including language barriers, as their contracts were in Russian, a language they did not understand. This lack of comprehension contributed to their difficult experiences, with some reporting long periods without communication with their families. The situation escalated to the point where individuals like Urgen Tamang and Azad Yusuf Kumar shared their harrowing experiences, including injuries and accusations from commanders. The plight of these men drew attention from Indian officials, including MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who intervened after a video plea for help surfaced. The return of these individuals highlights the dangers of exploitation by agents who prey on vulnerable populations seeking better opportunities. As these men reintegrate into their communities, they carry with them traumatic memories of their experiences in a war zone, raising awareness about the need for better protections against such exploitation in the future.