In search for better livelihood, Indians are rushing abroad without doing any background checks. In the shadows of the escalating conflict along the Russia-Ukraine border, a disconcerting narrative concerning Indian citizens unfolds – a tale of deceit and compulsion in a land far from home. Reports suggest that Indians, hailing from diverse states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and Telengana, besides the Jammu & Kashmir union territory, have been ensnared into roles they never volunteered for, coerced to serve as pawns in a war that is not their own. Reports indicate that approximately 18 individuals were lured under the guise of ‘Army security helpers’, only to be thrust into the throes of conflict – a stark contrast to the promised non-combat employment.
The consequence of such deception has been dire, with at least one reported casualty amid the unwilling combatants. Their pleas for rescue, channeled through the Indian embassy in Moscow, echo the desperation and urgency of their plight. The Centre has been trying to expedite the safe repatriation of Indian citizens. The ministry, while acknowledging the situation, is yet to provide concrete figures on those coerced into service with the Russian Army, underscoring the opaque nature of this crisis. The enticement of overseas employment, often seen as a gateway to prosperity, has instead led to exploitation and, in extreme cases, the battlefield. Similar patterns of deception are observed in the Gulf countries, where the promise of lucrative jobs often culminates in menial and harsh labour, far removed from the dreams sold to these job-seekers. This predicament is not just about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but about the vulnerability of individuals to the machinations of unscrupulous employment agencies. It serves as a stark reminder of the perils that can befall those seeking better opportunities abroad.