In a notable development regarding the illicit recruitment of Nepalis into the Russian army, the Deputy Prime Minister and newly appointed Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, representing Nepal, engaged in a telephone dialogue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday.
During the conversation, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha emphasized the immediate necessity for the repatriation of illegally recruited Nepalis from the Russian army, along with the retrieval of deceased individuals’ bodies, particularly those involved in conflicts such as in Ukraine.
He also underscored the importance of rescuing and compensating the injured while seeking justice for the families of both deceased and injured individuals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha reiterated the enduring friendship between Nepal and Russia, emphasizing the annulment of recruitment contracts responsible for unlawfully enlisting Nepali citizens in the Russian army. Furthermore, he urged for their swift repatriation to Nepal.
Among the topics discussed was an inquiry into the current number of Nepalis serving in the Russian army. However, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov primarily addressed Russia’s commitment to compensating the families of deceased Nepalis, without elaborating on other concerns raised by Nepal.
An official from the foreign ministry commented that while Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov acknowledged the dialogue, he mentioned that officials from both countries would maintain contact regarding the issue.
The unauthorized recruitment of Nepalis in the Russian army has sparked serious apprehensions, with reports indicating the involvement of at least 12 Nepali casualties in conflicts alongside the Russian army against Ukraine.
Additionally, five individuals are currently in the custody of the Ukrainian army. Meanwhile, over 200 families have lodged complaints, seeking the safe return of their loved ones serving in the Russian Army, according to officials at the Department of Consular Affairs.
The dialogue achieved certain objectives due to Nepal’s persistent efforts, the lack of additional information from the Russian side leaves uncertainties regarding the resolution of broader concerns raised by Nepal.
