The family of Ravi Moun, a 21-year-old Indian national from Haryana, is seeking government assistance to repatriate his body from Russia. Moun, who traveled to Russia in January 2024 for a promised job in the transport sector, reportedly died after being forced to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Sonu Mator, Moun's cousin, stated, "If he knew he would have to fight, he would not have gone...why would he go where death could be waiting?" The family last communicated with Moun on March 12, 2024, and has since been attempting to contact the government for help in locating him.
The Indian Embassy in Moscow, established in 1947, confirmed Moun's death in a letter to his relatives. However, the circumstances surrounding his demise remain unclear. This incident is not isolated, as several Indian families have reported similar cases to the Ministry of External Affairs, which was founded in 1946.
"The Russian side had confirmed the death"
India's Foreign Ministry officials report that at least four other Indians have lost their lives in the conflict. The government has taken action by arresting four individuals associated with the recruitment racket. Additionally, India operates a 24/7 helpline for citizens abroad, demonstrating its commitment to protecting its nationals overseas.
The Russia-Ukraine War, which began on February 24, 2022, has drawn international attention to the issue of foreign fighters. The recruitment of such combatants is against international law, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
India, maintaining its neutral stance in the conflict, has called for peace through dialogue and diplomacy. This position aligns with India's historical approach to international conflicts and its strategic partnership with Russia, established in 2000.
In response to these incidents, Russia has promised to discharge Indians who were deceived into joining its military. The Russian Embassy in India has expressed commitment to finding the "earliest possible solution" to this issue.
Similar cases have been reported in Sri Lanka and Nepal, indicating a broader regional concern. As India works on strengthening its consular services globally, the government faces the challenge of protecting its citizens from such deceptive recruitment practices while maintaining its diplomatic relationships.
The tragic case of Ravi Moun and others like him underscores the need for increased vigilance and robust mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of job seekers in conflict zones. As the situation unfolds, the Indian government's response will be crucial in addressing the concerns of affected families and preventing future occurrences.