24 Indians Still in Russian Army, MEA Confirms; 139 Repatriated So Far

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that around 24 Indian nationals, who were recruited through fraudulent and non-transparent means, continue to serve with the Russian army as the war in Ukraine persists. The statement was made by MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a bi-weekly press briefing.

Mr. Jaiswal said that the Ministry has been consistently following up on the issue of Indians in the Russian army. "We have been following up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals with the Russian army. Our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals so far," he stated.

He further emphasised that India continues to focus on creating reliable and secure channels for the mobility of various segments of its blue-collar workforce. The MEA reiterated a caution against job offers that are "fraught with risks" and made by unscrupulous individuals or agencies. "We once again caution our people against such offers," Mr. Jaiswal said.

The issue of Indians serving in the Russian military came to light in February 2024, when The Hindu first reported on the presence of Indian citizens in the Russian army as the conflict entered its third year. Since then, India has been actively pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels.

In May of this year, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that 49 Indians had died while serving with the Russian army in the Ukraine conflict. The number of Indians illegally recruited into the Russian army had declined to 44 by November 2025, according to an MEA statement at that time. The current figure of 24 indicates further repatriation efforts have been successful, though some remain.

The MEA spokesperson noted that the issue has been part of bilateral discussions between India and Russia since it first came to light. It is expected to feature in high-level talks in the near future. India has consistently urged Russia to ensure the safety and early discharge of its nationals.

Officials have advised Indian nationals to verify the credentials of recruitment agencies before accepting any overseas employment. The government has also set up dedicated helplines and channels for families seeking information about their loved ones. The MEA continues to work on secure migration pathways to prevent such fraudulent recruitment in the future.

The prolonged Russia-Ukraine war has seen an increased presence of foreign fighters on both sides. Indian authorities have repeatedly warned citizens against joining conflict zones, citing legal and safety risks. The government's efforts to secure the release of its nationals underscore its commitment to the welfare of Indians abroad, while maintaining a neutral stance on the conflict itself.