India Seeks Return of 69 Nationals Still Serving in Russian Military
New Delhi — India is holding talks with Russia to secure the release and return of 69 Indian nationals believed to still be serving in the Russian military, the Ministry of External Affairs said Friday.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said approximately 259 Indian citizens had been recruited into the Russian Army, of whom 139 have been discharged and returned to India following government intervention.
“According to the information we have so far, we believe around 259 Indian citizens were recruited into the Russian Army. Out of these, we have been able to secure the discharge of 139 individuals who have returned home. Currently, we are in discussions with the Russian government regarding 69 people who we believe are still with the Russian military, seeking details about where they are and how they can be brought back,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.
The ministry did not clarify the status of the remaining individuals included in its recruitment figures.
Responding to questions about Indians who may have acquired Russian citizenship, Jaiswal said the Indian government does not maintain figures for such individuals because its records cover only Indian citizens.
He suggested that inquiries about former Indian nationals who had obtained Russian citizenship be directed to the Russian Embassy or Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The latest update follows repeated warnings from New Delhi about the dangers of joining Russian forces amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, the ministry again urged Indians to reject recruitment offers from the Russian military, describing such service as a serious threat to their safety.
“It is fraught with danger to life, grave danger to life. In spite of our repeated reminders of our advisories, including the last one on 30th September, we continue to see reports about Indian nationals joining Russian forces. This is obviously a matter of deep concern,” Jaiswal said.
The Indian government issued another advisory last week, strongly discouraging citizens from joining Russia’s armed forces despite reports of continued recruitment.
Officials said India has repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with military recruitment in Russia over the past two years.
The ministry also urged Indians seeking employment overseas to exercise caution and avoid offers from unverified recruiters, warning that such opportunities could expose them to serious danger. (Source: IANS)
