India has asked Russia to release 27 Indian nationals who have reportedly been recruited into the Russian military. New Delhi is in touch with its family members regarding the matter, informed Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday.
“As per our information, 27 Indian nationals are presently serving in the Russian army. We are also in close touch with their family members in the matter,” Jaiswal said.
He also issued a warning to Indians considering joining the Russian forces.
“We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to serve in the Russian army as they are fraught with danger and risk to life,” he added.
He also issued a warning to Indians considering joining the
Russian forces.
Jaiswal stressed that India is actively engaging with Russian authorities to secure their release.
“We have strongly raised this matter with Russian authorities in Moscow and with the Russian embassy in New Delhi, and asked for them to be freed as soon as possible,” he said.
“We are trying to get them out,” he added.
There have been reports that some Indians on student or business visas were compelled to join Russian military units, including those deployed on the frontlines in Ukraine.
India has repeatedly requested Russia to free all Indians working in support roles, such as cooks and helpers.
The issue had also been raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Russia last year.
Official data shows that over 150 Indians have been recruited by the Russian military so far. Among them, 12 have died while fighting, 96 have been discharged, and 16 are still missing.
(With agency inputs)
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