India Raises Alarm Over 44 Nationals Serving in Russian Army, Urges Immediate Release

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday confirmed that at least 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army, prompting the Indian government to initiate diplomatic efforts for their release and caution citizens against accepting such recruitment offers.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has formally taken up the matter with Moscow, expressing concern over the safety of these individuals and stressing that joining foreign military forces poses serious risks to life.

“In the last few months, yes, 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 stated.

He further noted, “As per our understanding, 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army. We are in touch with the Russian side as well as the families of these individuals, providing regular updates. We once again appeal to all citizens to stay away from such recruitment offers, as they are fraught with danger and carry a risk to life.”

The statement came shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in New Delhi. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Good to meet Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko of Russia today. Discussed taking forward our multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Also exchanged views on important regional, global and multilateral developments.”