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New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday announced that it has identified 44 Indian nationals currently serving in the Russian Army amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The ministry said it has once again raised the issue with Russian authorities, urging them to secure the release of these individuals and to put an end to the recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian military. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during the ministry’s weekly press briefing, confirmed that India is in regular contact with both Russian officials and the families of those affected.“We have received information that several Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian Army. We have raised this matter with the Russian authorities, urging them to secure the release of these individuals at the earliest
and to end this practice. According to our understanding, there are currently 44 Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army,” he said.Jaiswal said the government is keeping the families informed with regular updates and is working closely with Moscow to ensure the safe return of those affected.Notably, this comes ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's scheduled visit to India in December and days after families of several Indian youths allegedly forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war held protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Several families, who had lost contact with their relatives, have urged the government to intervene and ensure their safe return. Jaiswal further said that discussions with Russian authorities are ongoing to know regarding the reports of an increasing number of Indians joining the Russian Army. He further warned Indian citizens against taking up offers to join the Russian Army, calling them life-threatening. “We once again take this opportunity to urge everyone to stay away from offers to serve in the Russian Army. Such offers are extremely dangerous and involve significant risks to life,” Jaiswal said.The issue gained national attention after reports surfaced of Indian youths being deceived into joining the Russian military under the guise of employment or study opportunities. Families from states such as Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Telangana have alleged that their relatives were misled or coerced into signing up as “helpers” or “support staff,” only to be later sent to the frontlines.
