India appeals to Russia for safe return of 27 more citizens stuck in army

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, the serious issue of Russia recruiting Indians into its military has once again come to light. India has appealed to Russia to immediately release 27 more of its citizens who were recently recruited into the Russian military. The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly raised this issue with Moscow and demanded the immediate repatriation of the Indians.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal gave this information at a weekly press briefing. He said the government has learned that more Indians are serving in the Russian military and is constantly receiving new information from their families.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "According to our information, 27 Indian citizens are currently serving in the Russian military. We are in constant contact with their families regarding this matter." He once again cautioned Indian citizens, saying, "We urge all Indian citizens to refrain from offers to serve in the Russian military, as these are fraught with danger and risk."

Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has expressed its serious concern to the Russian authorities regarding this matter. He said, "We have strongly raised this matter with the Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in New Delhi and requested them to release them as soon as possible. We are making every effort to get them out of there."

According to official figures, more than 150 Indians have been recruited into the Russian military so far. Many of these Indians went to Russia on student and business visas and were deceptively or forcibly sent to the Ukrainian war front. At least 12 Indians have died in the conflict so far, while 16 have been declared missing. Following persistent pressure from India, Russian authorities have so far released 96 Indians from service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the issue during his visit to Russia last year.