News Brief
India Asks Russia To Release 27 Indians Allegedly Forced Into Military Service
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
India has urged Russia to release 27 more Indian nationals who were recently recruited into the Russian military, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday (26 September), reported The Times Of India.
“As per our information, 27 Indian nationals are presently serving in the Russian army. We are also in close touch with their family members in the matter,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
Jaiswal said the government has raised the issue at the highest levels.
“We have strongly raised this matter with Russian authorities in Moscow and with the Russian embassy in New Delhi, and asked for them to be freed as soon as possible. We are trying to get them out,” he added.
The MEA also issued a fresh advisory urging citizens to avoid offers to join the Russian army.
“We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to serve in the Russian army as they are fraught with danger and risk to life,” Jaiswal said, as quoted by PTI.
One such case involves Rakesh Kumar, a 30-year-old from Uttarakhand who travelled to Russia for higher studies.
They have not heard from him since early September and have appealed for help, writing to the MEA and seeking assistance from the Indian embassy in Moscow.
Reports suggest some Indians holding student and business visas were forcibly recruited into Russian military units on the Ukraine front.
India has repeatedly demanded Russia release all such personnel, including support staff.
According to official figures, over 150 Indians have joined the Russian military, with at least 12 killed, 96 discharged, and 16 still serving.
