The Indian government is actively working to secure the release of 27 additional Indian nationals allegedly coerced into joining the Russian military. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that these individuals are currently serving in the Russian army and has urgently taken up the matter with Russian authorities in both Moscow and New Delhi.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government is in close contact with the families of these individuals. He reiterated a strong advisory, urging Indian nationals to refrain from accepting offers to serve in the Russian army, emphasizing the inherent dangers and risks to life associated with such employment. "We are trying to get them out," Jaiswal said.
Reports suggest that many Indians, including those from Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana, have been coerced into military service, despite previous assurances from Russia. Some Indian citizens were reportedly lured to Russia under the guise of construction jobs but were subsequently deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine. It has been reported that these individuals traveled to Russia on student and business visas.
The Indian government has repeatedly raised the issue with Russia, requesting the release of Indian citizens serving as support staff, including cooks and helpers, in Russian military units. The matter was also discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Russia last year.
This is not the first time such reports have surfaced. In light of these incidents, the MEA has issued a stern advisory to Indian citizens, cautioning them against joining the Russian Army. The advisory emphasizes that such recruitment is "fraught with dangers". The MEA has also urged citizens to be cautious of fraudulent agents or online advertisements offering employment in Russia, particularly those linked to military roles.
According to official data, the number of Indians recruited by the Russian military is now more than 150. At least 12 Indians have died while fighting on the frontlines in Ukraine, 96 have been discharged by Russian authorities, and 16 are listed as missing.
