Will take strong action to prevent human trafficking for Russian war, says Jaishankar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that strict action will be taken against those who traffic Indians to Russia to take part in the ongoing war. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Jaishankar said India has expressed its concern to the Russian ambassador.

Jaishankar was in Thiruvananthapuram to take part in NDA's election campaign. "Agents who trafficked Malayalis to Russia will be brought to justice. So far, two people have been able to return home. If more people are trapped in Russia, we will take action to bring them home. Providing security to Indians abroad is the Modi government's guarantee. Wherever Indians are in danger, the Modi government will ensure their safety. NDA candidates and Union Ministers V. Muraleedharan and Rajeev Chandrasekhar have worked hard for it," Jaishankar said.

"Since this is the time of elections, I cannot take an official position on the Kachchatheevu issue. However, I disagree with the view that it will affect bilateral relations. The Tamil Nadu government has an anti-national attitude demanding back Kachchatheevu even as it supports the decision to hand over the island to Sri Lanka," Jaishankar said.

India is always a good neighbour
"The allegation that India does not have good relations with its neighbours is not true. Were relations with Pakistan good ten years ago? Have you forgotten the Mumbai attack? India has always been a good neighbour. India was with Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh when those countries went through economic crises and during the time of the Covid pandemic. We have a competitive relationship with China. The central government's position is based on national interest. India is strong today. We will not give up the national interest in front of anyone. India is strong today. We will not give up the national interest in front of anyone. The fact that India did not give in to pressure from countries such as the US against the purchase of oil from Russia is proof of that," Jaishankar said.

Malayalis went to Russian battlefront through Delhi

• Anchuthengu natives Prince Sebastian, Vineeth Selva, Tinu Paniyadima and Poovar native David Muthappan were trafficked to Russia and forced to join the Russian mercenary group.
• David Muthappan and Prince Sebastian have returned to Kerala. Efforts are on to bring Vineeth Selva and Tinu Paniyadima back to Kerala
• The agent, who recruited the youths for security work, took them to Delhi. The agency in Delhi then trafficked them to the Russia-Ukraine border
• After providing training for a month, the youths were sent to the battlefield with a gun. An investigation by the Ministry of External Affairs is underway