India has provided a fresh update on Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India has information on 227 Indian nationals who were recruited into the Russian military. Of these, 139 have been discharged, while 51 have died.
227 Indians Recruited Into Russian Army
According to Misri, India has information on 227 nationals who were recruited into the Russian armed forces.
He said the issue has been discussed between India and Russia at various levels and on several occasions, with New Delhi repeatedly seeking the release of Indian citizens serving with Russian military units.
139 Indians Discharged
India's diplomatic efforts have resulted in the discharge of 139 Indian nationals from the Russian military, Misri said.
The government has previously said that some Indians were working in support roles such as cooks and helpers, while others were recruited into military units under circumstances that are now being investigated.
51 Indians Have Died
Misri said India has information that 51 Indians recruited into the Russian military have died.
The deaths highlight the serious risks faced by Indian nationals who became involved with Russian military units during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The identification and repatriation of remains have also become major concerns for affected families.
Efforts Underway to Release Those Remaining
India is continuing discussions with Moscow to secure the early discharge of Indians who remain with the Russian military.
Misri said the government wants the remaining cases to be resolved as quickly as possible so that the affected Indians can return to their families in India.
Indian Embassy in Moscow Monitoring Cases
The Indian Embassy in Moscow is regularly monitoring the situation, Misri said.
The embassy is coordinating with Russian authorities on issues related to discharge, repatriation and the status of individual Indian nationals.
Some Indians Allegedly Lured by Job Offers
The recruitment of Indians into Russian military units has raised concerns over recruitment networks that allegedly attracted people with promises of employment.
Families have alleged that some Indians travelled to Russia after being promised jobs and were subsequently recruited into the Russian military.
The Supreme Court has also heard a petition concerning Indian nationals who allegedly travelled to Russia after being deceived by travel agents and were later enrolled in the Russian military.
Government Warns Against Risky Overseas Jobs
The Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly warned Indians against accepting risky overseas employment offers from unscrupulous individuals or agencies.
The government has urged people to verify job offers carefully and avoid opportunities that could expose them to military or conflict-related risks.
Supreme Court Orders Support Mechanism for Families
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to appoint a nodal officer in the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with families of Indians who died, went missing or were injured while serving in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The directions also covered assistance relating to identification of remains, DNA testing, repatriation and documentation needed for compensation claims.
Repatriation of Mortal Remains
Returning the remains of Indians who died in the conflict can involve a lengthy identification process.
DNA samples from families may be required to confirm identities before remains can be handed over and transported to India for the final rites.
Sensitive Issue for India-Russia Relations
The recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian military has emerged as a sensitive issue in India-Russia relations.
While New Delhi continues to maintain its broader strategic partnership with Moscow, it has also been pressing Russia to discharge Indian nationals and facilitate their safe return to India.
Conclusion
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India has information on 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces, of whom 139 have been discharged and 51 have died.
India remains in constant discussions with Russia to secure the release and repatriation of those who remain in Russian military service. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is monitoring the cases, while the government continues to warn citizens against risky overseas employment offers.
The issue has also prompted legal and diplomatic efforts to support affected families, recover the remains of those who died and prevent further Indian nationals from being drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through misleading job offers.
