Two Indian nationals recruited by the Russian army were killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Indian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
The Indian embassy in Moscow has contacted Russian authorities, including the ministry of defence, to ensure the prompt repatriation of the remains, according to a statement from the ministry.
The foreign ministry has also called on the Russian ambassador in New Delhi and authorities in Moscow to expedite the release and return of all Indian nationals with the Russian army, the statement added.
India demanded a verified halt to any further recruitment of its nationals by the Russian army and urged Indian citizens to be cautious when seeking employment in Russia.
In May, Indian police arrested four individuals connected to a human trafficking network suspected of luring young men to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs or university placements, only to force them to fight in the war in Ukraine.
Approximately 35 Indian men were deceived in this manner, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported in March.
New Delhi and Moscow have maintained a close relationship for decades. India has refrained from condemning Russia over the conflict with Ukraine, instead urging both sides to resolve the issue through dialogue and diplomacy.
(Reuters)
Dharavi slum in Mumbai
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)