New Delhi, November 7, 2025 – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed today that 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian Army amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The MEA has raised the matter with Russian authorities, urging them to release these individuals and cease the recruitment of Indian citizens.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue during a weekly press briefing, stating that the Indian government is in communication 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," Jaiswal said. "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."
The ministry is providing regular updates to the families and working with Moscow to ensure the safe return of the individuals. This confirmation follows protests in New Delhi by families of Indian youths who allege their relatives were misled into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. These families, many of whom have lost contact with their relatives, are demanding government intervention to ensure their safe return.
Reports suggest that many of these individuals traveled to Russia on student or work visas, only to be coerced or misled into military contracts. Families from various states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Telangana, have claimed their relatives were deceived with promises of jobs as "helpers" or "support staff," but were then sent to the front lines.
The Indian government has repeatedly warned its citizens against seeking employment with the Russian military, citing the significant risks to life. Jaiswal reiterated this warning, stating, "one should stay away from offers being made to serve in the Russian army because it is an offer that is fraught with danger to life and there's risk to life". Despite these warnings, the number of Indians serving in the Russian Army has risen in recent months.
Indian law enforcement agencies have taken action against individuals involved in recruiting Indian nationals for the Russian Army and are continuing to pursue the matter. "Action has been taken in the past and continues to be taken so that people are not tricked into such risky endeavors," Jaiswal added.
The issue is expected to be a topic of discussion during Russian President Vladimir Putin's planned visit to India in December. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The MEA's confirmation and continued efforts underscore the government's concern for the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. The ministry continues to urge Indian nationals to exercise caution and avoid recruitment offers from foreign entities, especially in conflict zones.
