NEW DELHI: India is continuing efforts to secure the release of 69 Indian nationals who remain with the Russian armed forces, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday, once again warning Indians against joining the Russian military.
Jaiswal said the government has been pursuing the matter with Russian authorities and has secured the early discharge of 139 Indians. “We continue to follow up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals with the Russian army,” he said.
According to information available with the government, 259 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Of these, 139 have been discharged following India’s efforts, while the whereabouts of 69 others are being pursued with Russian authorities.
“We have been following up with the Russian authorities for updates on the whereabouts of 69 Indian nationals who remain with the Russian army,” Jaiswal said.
India has also renewed its warning against recruitment offers for military service in Russia, stressing the serious risks involved. “We yet again urge Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to join the Russian Army. It is fraught with grave danger to life,” Jaiswal said.
The MEA said the issue remained a matter of “deep concern”, particularly as reports of Indians continuing to join the Russian armed forces have emerged despite repeated government advisories over the past two years. Jaiswal noted that the latest advisory was issued on September 30, but said reports of fresh recruitment were still being received.
“In spite of our repeated advisories over the past two years, including the latest one on 30 Sept, we are continuing to see reports about Indian nationals joining the Russian armed forces. This is a matter of deep concern,” he said.
259 Indians recruited into Russian armed forces
259 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Of these, 139 have been discharged following India’s efforts, while the whereabouts of 69 others are being pursued with Russian authorities. India has also renewed its warning against recruitment offers for military service in Russia.
