India Demands Release of 27 More Indian Nationals Serving in Russian Military Amid Ukraine Conflict

Randhir Jaiswal stated India has firmly addressed this issue with Russian authorities. (Representational)

New Delhi:

India has requested Russia to release an additional 27 Indian nationals who were recently enlisted in the Russian military forces.

During his weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that New Delhi has discovered more Indians serving in the Russian military, based on information provided by their families.

"According to our information, 27 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army. We are maintaining close communication with their family members regarding this matter," Jaiswal said.

"We again strongly caution all Indian nationals to avoid accepting offers to serve in the Russian army as these positions involve significant danger and life-threatening risks," he further advised.

Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has vigorously raised this concern with Russian authorities.

"We have emphatically brought this matter to the attention of Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian embassy in New Delhi, requesting their immediate release," he stated.

"We are working diligently to secure their return," he added.

Reports indicate that some Indians on student and business visas were coerced into joining Russian military units deployed on the frontlines in Ukraine. India has repeatedly requested Russia to release all Indians serving as support personnel, including cooks and helpers, within Russian military units.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed this issue during his visit to Russia last year.

According to official data, the total number of Indians recruited by the Russian military now exceeds 150.

At least 12 Indians have lost their lives while fighting on the frontlines in Ukraine, while 96 have been discharged by Russian authorities.

An additional 16 individuals are currently listed as missing.