Indian PM Modi Raises Concerns Over Indians Fighting in Russian Army with Putin Amidst Diplomatic Tensions

Moscow, Russia, Moscow Oblast, Russia Russian Federation
About 35-50 Indians currently serving in Russian forces, at least 4 have lost lives
Indian government seeking release of citizens deceived by agents promising jobs and passports
Indian PM Narendra Modi raised concerns over Indians fighting in Russian army with Putin during Moscow visit
Modi's visit produced agreements on science, trade, and climate change between India and Russia
Indian PM Modi Raises Concerns Over Indians Fighting in Russian Army with Putin Amidst Diplomatic Tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Moscow was a significant diplomatic event, during which he raised the issue of Indians fighting in Russia's army with President Vladimir Putin. The Indian government has been seeking the release of its citizens who were lured into non-combat roles but ended up in active combat in Ukraine.

According to reports, there are about 35-50 Indians currently serving in the Russian forces, with at least four having lost their lives. Delhi claims that these individuals were deceived by agents who promised them jobs and a Russian passport. The Indian foreign ministry has described this as a matter of deep concern and has been pressing hard for their safe return.

Despite India's opposition to Russia's war in Ukraine, the two countries have maintained close ties, with Russia being India's biggest supplier of weapons and oil. Some analysts suggest that India may have bet on former US President Donald Trump returning to power, which would ease pressure on New Delhi to distance itself from Moscow.

Modi's visit produced several new agreements between the two countries, including initiatives on science, trade, and climate change. The leaders also set out nine key areas for closer cooperation in the future.

The issue of Indians fighting in Russia's army is not a new one. In March 2024, Indian authorities busted a network of agents sending people to fight for Russia under the pretext of giving them jobs. The Indian government had urged all its nationals to exercise caution and stay away from the conflict.

The Modi-Putin summit was not all bad news for Washington. While US officials criticised Modi's visit, they also acknowledged that India is a vital partner in managing China's rise and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, it is important to note that both Russia and India have their own unique perspectives on global issues. It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in open dialogue and work towards finding peaceful solutions to complex geopolitical challenges.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Exact number of Indians serving in Russian army and how many have lost their lives may vary
  • It's unclear if all Indians were deceived or some willingly joined the Russian army

Sources

64%

  • Unique Points
    • India has a long history of close relations with Russia, with Russia being India's biggest supplier of weapons and oil.
    • Analysts suggest that India bet on former US President Donald Trump returning to power, which would ease pressure on New Delhi to turn away from Moscow.
  • Accuracy
    • India has a long history of close relations with Russia
    • India is India's biggest supplier of weapons and oil
    • India has tried to avoid Western criticism by calling for peace and presenting itself as a trusted partner in managing China’s rise
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position about India's relationship with Russia and the US. The author also uses emotional manipulation by describing the Russian missile attack on a children's hospital in Ukraine as 'devastating' and 'huge disappointment'. Additionally, there is a lie by omission as the article fails to mention that Modi visited Russia after receiving an invitation from Putin and before Zelenskyy's visit to Washington.
    • India has rejected the criticism and has argued that by buying Russian oil the West no longer wants, it is in fact helping keep global crude prices stable.
    • Many were killed, including 13 children, as a result of Russia’s brutal missile strike.
    • The US National Security adviser cautioned that strong ties with Russia were a ‘bad bet’ for India.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it quotes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement about the Russian missile attack on a children's hospital and his criticism of Modi's visit to Russia. The author does not provide any evidence or reasoning beyond Zelenskyy's statement, making it an appeal to authority fallacy.
    • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was more direct. He referred to the deadly missile attack on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital the day before Modi’s Moscow visit. 'It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day,' he wrote on Twitter.
  • Bias (15%)
    Al Jazeera's article demonstrates a clear anti-India bias by focusing on the negative aspects of India's relationship with Russia and implying that India is taking a 'bad bet' by maintaining ties with Russia. The author also quotes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticizing India for Modi's visit to Moscow, but does not provide any counter-perspective from the Indian government or other experts. Additionally, the article mentions US criticism of India's oil purchases from Russia and its defense dependence on Russia, implying that these actions are harmful to India's relationship with the US. However, no examples are given of how these actions have specifically harmed India-US relations or why they should be viewed negatively.
    • ]India faces criticism for these oil purchases, which the allegation goes help finance Russia’s war. India has rejected the criticism and has argued that by buying Russian oil the West no longer wants, it is in fact helping keep global crude prices stable.[
      • The US National Security adviser cautioned that strong ties with Russia were a ‘bad bet’ for India.
        • US officials criticised Modi’s visit to Russia, the first since Putin launched a full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        98%

        • Unique Points
          • India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, visited Moscow
          • India has close ties with Russia despite condemnation needed for Ukraine invasion
          • India needs cheap Russian weapons and oil
        • Accuracy
          • At least four Indians have been killed in the fighting.
          • Delhi claims that these Indians were lured to Russia under the promise of non-combat jobs but were later forced into active combat in Ukraine.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        • Unique Points
          • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Indians fighting in Russia’s army with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow.
          • Russia promised an early release of all Indian citizens fighting in its army, as per India’s foreign ministry.
          • Delhi claims that these Indians were lured to Russia under the promise of non-combat jobs but were later forced into active combat in Ukraine.
          • At least four Indians have been killed in the fighting.
          • There are about 35-50 Indians in the Russian forces, with 10 already brought back home according to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
          • Indians claimed they were duped by agents with promises of money and a Russian passport.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        99%

        • Unique Points
          • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow this week and produced several new agreements with Russia, including initiatives on science, trade, and climate change.
          • , Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Indians fighting in Russia’s army with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow.
          • India opposes Russia’s war in Ukraine and has called for it to end.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication