The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday that 44 Indian citizens are currently serving in the Russian Army, urging Moscow for their immediate release. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed during a press briefing that the Indian government is in communication with Russian authorities, as well as in contact with the families of those affected, providing them with updates.
Jaiswal reiterated India’s request for Russia to cease recruiting Indian nationals into its armed forces. He emphasized the dangers associated with such enlistments, stating, “We take this opportunity to convey to all that one should stay away from offers to serve in the Russian Army because it is fraught with danger to life.” He highlighted how many Indians have fallen victim to agents promising roles as support staff, only to be compelled into combat roles in Ukraine.
Despite repeated warnings, individuals continue to enlist, prompting Jaiswal to stress the personal responsibility of those signing up for these dangerous assignments. “People are not tricked into joining such risky endeavors,” he asserted.
Previously, the MEA sought the early discharge of Indians following the death of Binil T.B., a 32-year-old electrician from Kerala, who served in the Russian Army. In September, the Indian government called on Russia to release 27 nationals recruited into its military. The ministry has issued multiple advisories cautioning citizens against joining the Russian Army amid rising reports of fatalities.
Official data indicates that 127 Indians initially joined the Russian armed forces, with 98 discharged and repatriated through diplomatic means. At least 10 Indians have reportedly died while serving in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, with Binil’s death marking the latest incident. Although the Russian Defence Ministry reportedly halted recruitment of Indians in April 2024, some personnel’s release is pending due to ongoing contracts.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has escalated into Europe’s deadliest war since World War II. Ukraine’s military reported an intensification of assaults around Dobropillia to alleviate pressure on Pokrovsk, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned about Russian troop movements near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.
Additionally, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha disclosed that over 1,400 citizens from approximately 36 African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces, condemning Moscow’s recruitment efforts as a “death sentence” and calling on African governments to issue warnings to their citizens.
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