On August 14, 2024, the Indian Embassy in Moscow issued an urgent advisory for Indian nationals residing in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk oblasts. The advisory recommends that Indian citizens in these regions take immediate precautions and consider temporary relocation due to escalating security concerns linked to ongoing Ukrainian military activities in these areas.
The advisory comes in response to a recent surge in conflict as Ukraine’s cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast began on August 6. By August 13, Ukrainian forces reported controlling 74 settlements within the region. The situation further intensified when Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov declared a state of emergency on August 14. Gladkov described the situation as “extremely difficult” and tense, attributed to persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.
Belgorod Oblast, which shares a border with Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast and is adjacent to Kursk, has been frequently targeted by Ukrainian drones. This frequent targeting highlights the severe impact of the conflict on the region, increasing the risk for residents and foreign nationals alike.
According to the Indian Embassy’s statement, there are approximately 14,000 Indians in Russia, including around 4,500 students. The statement did not specify if this number includes temporary workers. Reports indicate that some Indian men have come to Russia for work or tourism but have faced coercion to join the conflict against Ukraine, with several reported casualties.
In March, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) identified 35 cases of Indian nationals being lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with at least two confirmed fatalities. This alarming trend has raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Russia.
Following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in July, Indian media reported that Russia had agreed to release all Indians enlisted in its military and facilitate their return to India.
Armed with a Laptop and a cup of coffee, Rothschild is on a mission to conquer the news world, one headline at a time.