Kathrine Frich
India and Russia have built a strong partnership on oil trade and defense deals.
But recent developments are testing that relationship in unexpected ways.
Missing voices
Relatives of Indian nationals sent to Russia are increasingly alarmed over the lack of communication, according to reporting by Latvian outlet LA.LV.
Speaking on TV24’s program “Current Affairs in Ukraine”, National Armed Forces Major and National Guard staff officer Jānis Slaidiņš said families are in distress over missing loved ones.
A group of 26 families has filed a collective case with India’s Supreme Court, seeking clarity on whether those sent to the front lines are still alive.
“There is no information about their loved ones because they cannot be contacted. Either their phones have been taken away or they have already died.”
Growing pressure
Families have appealed to India’s ambassador to Russia for updates, hoping diplomatic channels can provide answers.
More than 100 similar cases have reportedly been registered across India, raising wider concerns about recruitment practices.
Slaidiņš said the issue is compounded by a lack of awareness among some recruits about the risks involved.
According to Slaidiņš, many of those recruited may not fully understand the nature of the system they are entering.
He warned that Russian commanders show little concern for the fate of foreign fighters involved in the conflict.
These recruits are reportedly referred to as “atkrivashkas”, and are often used in dangerous roles such as identifying Ukrainian firing positions.
Slaidiņš expressed skepticism that diplomatic efforts will bring meaningful answers.
“I think it’s all pointless, the ambassador will say something, but the Russians will reply that they don’t know anything, that they’ve disappeared somewhere,” he said.
