The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday that 44 Indian nationals are currently serving with the Russian Army during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The government has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure their safe return and halt further recruitment of Indian citizens.
Government Takes Firm Diplomatic Stand
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during the ministry's weekly press briefing, revealed that India maintains continuous communication with both Russian authorities and the affected families. "We have raised this matter with the Russian authorities, urging them to secure the release of these individuals at the earliest and to end this practice," Jaiswal stated emphatically.
The spokesperson confirmed that according to official understanding, exactly 44 Indian nationals are presently serving in Russian military units. The government is providing regular updates to concerned families while coordinating closely with Moscow to ensure the safe repatriation of all affected individuals.
Growing Public Concern and Protests
The announcement comes amid increasing public pressure, with families of several Indian youths allegedly forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war recently holding protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Many families reported having lost contact with their relatives and demanded immediate government intervention.
Cases from multiple states including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Telangana have emerged where individuals were reportedly coerced or misled into enlisting as "helpers" or "support staff" only to be deployed on dangerous frontlines.
Disturbing Cases Highlight Recruitment Risks
One particularly concerning case involves Samarjeet Singh, a 21-year-old from Ludhiana who traveled to Russia on a study visa and has been missing for nearly two months. His family last received information suggesting he was seen in a Russian Army uniform near the Ukrainian border.
The situation gained international attention when Ukrainian forces claimed to have captured an Indian national identified as 22-year-old Majoti Sahil Mohammed from Gujarat, who allegedly joined the Russian Army after being promised freedom and attractive compensation.
Jaiswal issued a stern warning to Indian citizens: "We once again take this opportunity to urge everyone to stay away from offers to serve in the Russian Army. Such offers are extremely dangerous and involve significant risks to life."
The timing of these developments is significant, occurring just before Russian President Vladimir Putin's scheduled visit to India in December. The Indian government has repeatedly appealed to Moscow to release all its nationals serving with Russian units and continues to warn citizens against falling prey to fraudulent recruitment schemes promising employment or study opportunities abroad.
