India warns citizens about joining Russian Army
India has issued a new warning to its citizens about joining the Russian military, where dozens are believed to be serving. Moscow has confirmed it is identifying Indians in the combat zone, who will then be returned to their homeland.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday that 69 Indian nationals remain with the Russian armed forces while once again warning Indians against joining the Russian military.
“We have been following up with the Russian authorities for updates on the whereabouts of 69 Indian nationals who remain with the Russian army,” Jaiswal said.
A total of 259 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Of them, 139 have been discharged following intervention from New Delhi. Another 51 have died, according to figures shared by the Indian government.
In its latest advisory, released on September 30, the Indian Foreign Ministry acknowledged that some Indians had sought out offers to join the Russian armed forces for financial benefits, believing they could later approach New Delhi for assistance in securing their release.
Russia has previously said it was not involved in recruitment campaigns or fraudulent schemes targeting Indians.
Last month, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow and New Delhi were working closely to identify Indian citizens in the combat zone. “As soon as their identities are established, they will be sent back home,” Peskov said at a briefing for Indian media in New Delhi.
Moscow has on several occasions reiterated that the two governments were working to resolve the issue.
Russia’s ambassador to India told a local media outlet last year that the issue was a matter of serious concern for both sides.
“The Russian army does not recruit Indian citizens. Those who signed military contracts did so voluntarily. The Government of India has repeatedly strongly advised Indians to refrain from offers made by dubious recruiting agencies in India or other countries,” Ambassador Denis Alipov said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Indian nationals during a visit to Moscow in 2024, after which Russia agreed to work toward their early discharge.
