New Delhi: India has urged Russia to release 44 Indian nationals currently serving in the Russian armed forces, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed. The government said it is in contact with Russian authorities and the families of those involved, emphasizing that recruitment into foreign militaries poses grave risks to life and safety.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi has formally raised the issue with Moscow and sought an end to the practice of Indian citizens being enlisted by the Russian military.
“We are aware that 44 Indian nationals are presently serving in the Russian army. The matter has been taken up with the Russian side for their early release. We also urge all Indians to stay away from such recruitment offers as they endanger lives,” Jaiswal said.
The statement came on the same day External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in New Delhi. The two discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues.
The development also precedes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India in early December for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over Indians joining the Russian army. In July 2024, the government informed Parliament that 127 Indians had been identified in the Russian forces. Through diplomatic engagement, the services of 98 individuals were terminated, while 13 remained, of whom 12 were reported missing by Russian authorities.
Earlier this year, the MEA confirmed the deaths of 12 Indian nationals serving in Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had also revealed a human trafficking racket that allegedly duped Indians with fake job offers before sending them to the war zone.
India and Russia maintain a long-standing strategic partnership encompassing defence, trade, energy, science, and cultural exchange. However, New Delhi has consistently prioritized the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, reiterating that its missions are closely monitoring the situation and assisting families affected by the recruitment issue.
