India Demands Immediate Release of 44 Citizens Serving in Russian Army
The Indian government has confirmed that 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army and has demanded their earliest release from Moscow. The Ministry of External Affairs has warned citizens against accepting recruitment offers, citing serious risks to life.
Key Developments
- 44 Indian nationals confirmed serving in Russian military
- India demands immediate release and end to recruitment practice
- Government in touch with Russian authorities and families
- Warning issued about life-threatening risks
Official Statement
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated: “In the last few months, we have been informed of several Indian nationals who have been recruited in the Russian army. We have once again taken up the matter with the Russian authorities to have them released at the earliest, as also to put an end to this practice.”
Jaiswal emphasized the government’s ongoing engagement: “As per our understanding, 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army. We are in touch with the Russian side. We are also in touch with the families of these people and giving them an update on the matter.”
The spokesperson issued a strong warning: “We once again take this opportunity to convey to all that 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.”
Diplomatic Context
The announcement coincided with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in New Delhi. Jaishankar described the discussions as covering “multifaceted bilateral cooperation” and exchanges on “important regional, global and multilateral developments.”
The development comes ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to India in early December for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Historical Pattern
This marks a recurring issue in India-Russia relations. In July, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed that 127 Indians had previously served in Russian forces, with 98 discharged following government intervention.
Singh had informed Parliament that 13 Indians remained in Russian service at that time, with 12 reported missing. Russian authorities were urged to ensure their safety and facilitate early discharge.
Tragic Consequences
The human cost became evident in January when the MEA confirmed 12 Indian nationals were killed while serving with Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict.
The problem traces back to last year when the CBI uncovered a major human-trafficking network that lured Indians with promises of high-paying jobs abroad, only to send them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone.
