IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

International Legion                      

9th March, 2022 International Relations

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Context: The Over 500 Indians from across the country, including some veterans, have submitted applications volunteering to join the International Legion created to fight Russian forces in Ukraine.

 

The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine:

  • It is a volunteer foreign legion military unit created by the Government of Ukraine on the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fight in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
  • It is one of several Ukrainian volunteer battalions formed since 2014.
  • Some of the home countries of the volunteer forbid their citizens from fighting for other countries.

 

Indian law on joining legion:

  • Indian domestic law clearly states such an act is punishable under Chapter VI, Section 121-130 of the Indian Penal Code (offences against the state).
  • Under the section “Committing depredation on territories of power at peace with the Government of India”, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
  • Application of law: The law is invoked when the foreign Army in which India nationals joining is doing inimical things or is an adversary of India, it refers to the Indian nationals joining ISIS in Syria.

 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/ukraine-ground-forces-say-indians-have-joined-its-international-legion-to-fight-russia/article65203798.ece