A total of 85 Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military have been discharged, with Indian authorities actively seeking the release of another 20 citizens still serving.
This information was reported by the Hindustan Times, citing Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
During a media briefing related to Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit, Misri confirmed that India is in "very close touch" with Russia’s foreign and defense ministries regarding the "issue of Indians who were, illegally or otherwise, contracted into fighting in the Russian Army."
Among those returned are also the remains of Indian nationals who were killed in Russia's war against Ukraine.
"Our understanding is that nearly 20 people still remain [in the Russian Army], and we are urging our interlocutors to secure the early discharge of all remaining Indians in the armed forces there," Misri stated.
Earlier, in September, around 45 Indian nationals were also released from Russian military service.
Reports indicate that citizens from countries such as Nepal, India, Syria, Serbia, and Somalia have been recruited into the Russian army, often lured with promises of jobs and Russian citizenship.
