Deceived and deployed: Russia recruits Indians as cannon fodder on the Ukrainian front

In a troubling development, Russia has established a covert recruitment network targeting young Indian men, promising them employment opportunities that ultimately lead to their deployment as soldiers in the Ukrainian conflict. Experts indicate that this strategy is part of a broader effort by Russia to utilize manpower from the Indian subcontinent, effectively creating a reserve of expendable soldiers to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. This recruitment tactic not only highlights the desperation of Russia's military needs but also raises ethical questions regarding the exploitation of vulnerable populations. As the war in Ukraine continues to grind on, the implications of such recruitment practices could have far-reaching consequences, both for the individuals involved and for international relations, particularly between Russia and India.