On July 24, the MEA told Parliament that there were 127 Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces of which services of 98 individuals had been discontinued as a result of sustained engagement between the Indian and Russian governments on this matter, including at the highest levels.
India on Thursday “strongly urged” its nationals to stay away from any offers to join the Russian army, describing it as a “course fraught with danger.”
Responding to media queries on Indians recruited into the Russian army, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. Government has on several occasions over the past one year underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly. We have also taken up the matter with Russian authorities, both in Delhi and Moscow, asking that this practice be ended and that our nationals be released. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens.”
“We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from any offers to join the Russian army as this is a course fraught with danger,” he added.
The advisory is part of an ongoing effort by the government to secure the repatriation of its citizens who have been coerced into the Russian military.
According to reports, despite the Indian government requesting Russia to halt the recruitment of Indian nationals, at least 15 Punjabi youths are still involved in the conflict. There are also some video messages shared by families showing young men, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Jammu, in Russian military uniforms pleading for help
MEA count 127, missing 12
On July 24, the External Affairs Ministry informed the Parliament that there were 127 Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces of which the services of 98 individuals had been discontinued as a result of sustained engagement between the Indian and Russian governments on this matter, including at the highest levels. However, 13 Indians remain in the Russian armed forces, out of which 12 have been reported missing by the Russian side.
“As per information available, there were 127 Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces, out of which the services of 98 individuals were discontinued as a result of sustained engagement between the Indian and Russian Governments on this matter, including at the highest levels. 13 Indian nationals remain in the Russian armed forces, out of which 12 individuals have been reported missing by the Russian side,” as per a written reply.
“The Russian authorities concerned have been urged to provide an update on all the remaining/missing individuals, and also ensure their safety, well-being and early discharge. For those Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces whose services have been discontinued, the Indian Mission/Posts in Russia assisted them in their return to India, including through facilitation of travel documents and providing air tickets, wherever required.
“Our Missions and Posts accord highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of all Indian nationals abroad and take appropriate action, as and when any request for assistance is received,” the Centre said in response to a question on details of Indians stuck in the Russian army who have not been able to reach their families yet and steps Government to provide assistance to those stuck in Russia,” the minister added.
According to reports, Indian nationals were recruited primarily as “helpers” and support staff and later many were forced into combat roles in Ukraine. Following intense diplomatic engagement from India, Russia discharged and repatriated many of them.
Most of them had been lured by agents with false promises of high-paying jobs as security guards and made to travel to Russia on tourist or student visas. Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated and they were forced to sign contracts in Russian, which they could not read. Many were then sent to fight on the front lines, without proper training.
