New Delhi: India has taken up with Moscow the case of 69 Indian nationals who are believed to still be associated with the Russian armed forces, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday, as the government renewed its warning against accepting military recruitment offers in Russia.
The ministry said sustained diplomatic efforts had already resulted in the early discharge of 139 Indian nationals. Jaiswal said New Delhi was now seeking information from Russian authorities about the remaining Indians and working for their release.
“Through our efforts, so far, 139 Indian nationals have seen early discharge from the Russian Army,” he said.
“We continue to follow up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals with the Russian army,” he added.
MEA Tracks 69 Indians In Russia
Government data indicates that 259 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. While 139 have since been discharged, the status and whereabouts of 69 others are being pursued through official channels, as reported by The New Indian Express.
“We have been following up with the Russian authorities for updates on the whereabouts of 69 Indian nationals who remain with the Russian army,” Jaiswal said.
The latest figures come amid continuing concern in New Delhi over Indians being lured or recruited for military-related work in Russia. The government has repeatedly advised citizens not to accept such offers, warning that those who join could face severe risks, including possible deployment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
MEA Cautions Against Recruitment Offers
Jaiswal issued another appeal to Indian nationals to reject offers to serve in the Russian military, describing the consequences as potentially life-threatening.
“We yet again urge Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to join the Russian Army. It is fraught with grave danger to life,” he said.
The ministry said the matter remained one of “deep concern” because reports of fresh recruitment continued to surface despite repeated advisories issued over the past two years. The government’s most recent warning was released on September 30.
“In spite of our repeated advisories over the past two years, including the latest one on 30 Sept, we are continuing to see reports about Indian nationals joining the Russian armed forces. This is a matter of deep concern,” Jaiswal said.
The MEA has urged Indians to verify overseas employment offers carefully and avoid intermediaries promising military or security-related jobs in Russia. India’s efforts to secure the discharge and return of those already recruited are continuing through discussions with Russian authorities.
