Sant Seechewal Writes to External Affairs Minister, Seeks Immediate Intervention for Safe Return of Indians Stranded in Russia
PHAGWARA: Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has written to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar seeking immediate diplomatic intervention to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals stranded in Russia. In his letter, he urged the Government of India to take up the issue of tracing Indians reported missing during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to facilitate the compensation due from the Russian government to the families of those who lost their lives in the war.
Sant Seechewal said that he has consistently raised this issue in Parliament and has also spoken on it during Zero Hour. He noted that although the Government of India has held discussions with Russian authorities on the matter, several Indian youths continue to remain stranded in Russia. He added that he intended to raise the issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session as well, but could not do so due to disruptions in parliamentary proceedings.
He stated that he is currently dealing with the cases of ten Indian youths who are stranded or otherwise affected in Russia. Some remain trapped there, some have gone missing, while others have lost their lives during the conflict. Referring specifically to the case of Mahikpreet Singh, he said that the youth had travelled to Russia on a study visa and is currently in custody. Despite the family depositing the court-imposed fine, he has not yet been released.
He also highlighted the case of Gagandeep Singh, who sustained serious injuries while serving in the Russian Army during the Russia-Ukraine war and is presently undergoing treatment in a hospital. He further said that Jarnail Singh, Harvinder Singh and Jagroop Singh have been missing while serving in the Russian Army for a prolonged period. He urged the Central Government to coordinate with Russian authorities to trace them and provide accurate information to their families.
Expressing grief over the death of Hira Singh from Amritsar, Sant Seechewal said that his mortal remains have not yet been brought back to India. He urged the Government of India to coordinate with Russian authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the body and extend all possible assistance to the bereaved family. He also called upon the Centre to take the necessary initiative to ensure that the families of Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war receive the compensation due from the Russian government.
He further stressed the need for a thorough investigation into human trafficking networks and illegal agents, alleging that many agents exploit Indian youths by taking control of their earnings and bank accounts, leaving their families to suffer severe financial and emotional hardship.
Sant Seechewal said that several other Indian youths, including Avinash Kumar, Vishal Singh, Ranjit Singh, Ramanjit Singh and Sikandar Singh, also remain stranded in Russia. Their families continue to live under constant anxiety and uncertainty. He appealed to the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene immediately and ensure the safety and safe return of all affected Indian nationals.
*Box Item: Allegations of Coercion into Russian Army Through Legal and Administrative Pressure*
Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal said that some affected families have alleged that certain Indian youths in Russia are deliberately entangled in legal and administrative complications. According to these allegations, they are subsequently kept in custody or subjected to other forms of pressure to compel them to enlist in the Russian Army. He urged the Central Government to raise the matter with the Russian authorities with utmost seriousness and seek a fair and impartial investigation.
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