New Delhi, Recent reports have confirmed the deaths of at least two Indian nationals who were fighting as mercenaries on behalf of Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This revelation brings to light the broader issue of Indian citizens being engaged in foreign conflicts as mercenaries, a practice that raises significant legal and ethical concerns.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the two Indians, identified as Sai Kumar and Kartik, were recruited by a private military company to support Russian forces in Ukraine. They lost their lives in the city of Kharkiv, marking a distressing development for their families back in India, who have confirmed the news. Additionally, there have been instances of Indian mercenaries participating in conflicts in the Middle East, including in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, reportedly on behalf of Israel.

The engagement of mercenaries in warfare is a contentious topic, particularly given the lack of accountability and oversight compared to regular military personnel. The international legal framework prohibits the use of mercenaries, yet the presence of private military companies exploiting legal grey areas to recruit individuals for combat roles remains a pressing international issue.

These developments not only highlight the risks faced by those recruited into such roles but also pose broader questions about the implications of private military employment for international peace and security, as well as the mechanisms in place to regulate such activities.