The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the Indian government is still trying to release about two dozen Indians who are continuing to serve in the Russian Army, as there are more concerns about Indian nationals allegedly being recruited by the Russian military during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In a regular media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government has been making regular contact with the Russian authorities in the matter.
Our efforts to free around two dozen Indian nationals who allegedly joined and continue to serve in the Russian Army remain underway. Already 139 Indians have been brought home, Jaiswal added.
The Supreme Court has also been heard that a petition has been filed by families of 26 Indian nationals who arrived in Russia between 2024 and 2025 with tourist visas or student visas and were reportedly enticed by recruitment agents to join the Russian army.
Reports state that over 30 Indians have been martyred in the fighting in Ukraine on the frontlines of the Russian forces. They also said that more than 15 Indians are missing.
They were said to be promised big payoffs, bonuses or Russian citizenship; and after receiving basic military training were then assigned to supporting jobs like cooks or cleaners, before going to combat zones.
The MEA has once again reminded Indian citizens of the need to care while they seek employment overseas or are being recruited for study abroad and have cautioned against a fraudulent recruitment agent in promoting employment overseas.