New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Government of India has urged Moscow to immediately release 44 Indian nationals found to be serving in the Russian armed forces, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.
Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi has taken up the issue with Russian authorities after learning that several Indians had been recruited into the Russian military despite the dangers involved.
“We are aware that 44 Indian nationals are presently in the Russian army. We are in constant touch with their families and have requested Russian officials to ensure their safe and early release. We again caution all citizens against such recruitment offers, which carry serious risk to life,” Jaiswal stated.
The remarks coincided with a meeting in New Delhi between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, where both sides discussed bilateral ties and key regional developments.
The issue has resurfaced just weeks ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s expected visit to India for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier, in July 2024, the Indian government had told Parliament that 127 Indians had been recruited into the Russian army, of whom 98 were released following diplomatic efforts. However, 12 individuals were reported missing, and one remained active.
In a separate development earlier this year, the MEA confirmed that 12 Indian citizens lost their lives while serving in the Russian military amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict. Investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last year revealed a human trafficking ring that allegedly lured Indians abroad with false job promises before sending them to the warfront.
India and Russia share deep strategic and defence relations dating back decades, but the MEA reiterated that protecting the lives and welfare of Indian nationals remains its foremost priority.
“The Government continues to monitor the situation closely,” Jaiswal added, emphasizing that India’s missions are working to assist the families concerned.
