New Delhi: India has said that around two dozen Indian nationals are still serving in the Russian Army, with the government continuing diplomatic efforts to secure their release amid the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict.
Addressing a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been consistently engaging with Russian authorities to facilitate the return of all Indian nationals recruited into the Russian military, many of whom were reportedly serving in non combat support roles such as cooks and helpers.
According to the government, sustained diplomatic efforts have resulted in the release of 139 Indian nationals so far. However, around 24 Indians are still believed to be serving with Russian military units, and discussions with Moscow are continuing to secure their return.
The Ministry of External Affairs also issued a fresh advisory urging Indians to remain cautious of overseas employment offers that could involve significant risks. It warned citizens against fraudulent recruitment agencies and individuals who lure job seekers with false promises of lucrative employment abroad.
More than 30 Indian nationals are reported to have lost their lives while serving with the Russian military on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the dangers faced by those who were allegedly misled into joining the armed forces.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government to appoint a nodal officer within the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with families of Indians who have died, gone missing or sustained injuries during the conflict.
The direction came while a Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan, was hearing a petition concerning Indian nationals allegedly duped by travel agents into joining the Russian military.
The petition seeks the return of the mortal remains of deceased Indian nationals, compensation for affected families and the creation of a coordinated mechanism to assist relatives of those who have been killed, injured or remain unaccounted for in the ongoing war.
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