139 Indians Freed From Russian Army, India Seeks Return Of 69 More

NEW DELHI-India is in talks with Russia to secure the return of 69 Indian citizens believed to remain with the Russian military, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on October 9, reiterating its concern over the recruitment of Indians into the Russian armed forces amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said around 259 Indian citizens had been recruited into the Russian Army. Of these, 139 had been discharged through Indian government efforts and returned home. New Delhi is seeking details from Moscow about the whereabouts of the remaining 69 and how they can be brought back.

The government does not have figures for Indian nationals who have acquired Russian citizenship, Jaiswal said, explaining that its records cover only Indian citizens. Information on those who have taken Russian citizenship would need to be obtained from the Russian Embassy or the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite repeated government advisories, reports of Indian nationals joining the Russian armed forces continue to emerge. The MEA has warned that such recruitment poses grave risks to their lives and urged Indians travelling to Russia to exercise caution when pursuing employment opportunities abroad, particularly by avoiding offers from unverified individuals. Its latest advisory on the issue was issued on September 30. (IANS)