PM Modi Raises Concern with Putin over Indians Recruited into Russian Army: Foreign Ministry Reports Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India is actively working to secure the release of its citizens who have joined Russian armed forces, while simultaneously issuing warnings to prevent additional recruitment.

During a special briefing regarding Vladimir Putin's state visit, Misri confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed this matter with the Russian President, emphasizing that "our concerted efforts continue on a regular basis to secure the early release of Indian citizens from the Russian Army."

"This issue of the recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian armed forces was broached by PM Modi," Misri explained.

The Foreign Secretary warned Indian citizens against accepting recruitment offers from the Russian military, stating, "I would just take this opportunity to reiterate once again that our citizens should avoid very, very carefully any offers to join the Russian armed forces. We are seeing several cases of people stranded there, appealing to be rescued and brought out. As I said, we are actively engaged in that effort."

Families of Indians trapped in Russia have been organizing protests, calling for government intervention to facilitate the return of their relatives. According to MEA reports, 127 Indians joined the Russian army, 98 have been evacuated, and 12 remain missing.

Misri also revealed new developments in India-Russia travel arrangements. India has introduced a 30-day e-tourist visa free of charge for Russian citizens, which he described as "on the basis of reciprocity."

Additionally, he noted that India is now offering group tourist visas to Russia at no cost for the first time. "We have offered a 30-day e-tourist visa on a gratis basis. This is based on reciprocity. We have also, I think, for the first time, started to look at group tourist visas. And that is also being done with Russia for the first time on a gratis basis," Misri said.

In November, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that at least 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government has raised this issue with Russian authorities, urging the release of these individuals and cautioning citizens against accepting recruitment offers due to significant risks to personal safety.

Jaiswal reported, "In the last few months, yes, we have come to know, 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."

He further added, "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. 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..."

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), numerous Indian nationals signed up for what they believed were support jobs or civilian positions in Russia. Instead, many claim they were misled and "tricked into military service" shortly after arriving in Russia.

Some traveled on student visas or tourist/visitor visas, but reportedly had their passports confiscated and were pressured into signing military-service contracts.