India secures release of 139 nationals from Russian forces, warns against fake job offers
New Delhi: India has successfully secured the release of 139 Indian nationals who had been serving in the Russian military, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday. The government said it continues to pursue the discharge of about two dozen more Indians still reported to be in the Russian armed forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the matter has been taken up consistently with Russian authorities. “We have been following up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. So far, our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals. We continue to pursue the release of the remaining two dozen Indian nationals who are reportedly in the Russian army,” Jaiswal said.
The MEA also issued a caution to Indian citizens against fraudulent overseas recruitment drives. Jaiswal noted that many such offers are made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies, and urged people to verify the authenticity of job offers before accepting them. “We would like to caution our people against job offers that are fraught with risk and made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies,” he added.
The development comes alongside a Supreme Court directive on Friday, which ordered the MEA to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with families of Indians who have died, been injured, or gone missing after joining the Russian military. The court also asked the MEA to facilitate DNA matching of family members with the mortal remains of those killed and assist families in filing compensation claims with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. The court further directed that all relevant information be provided to affected families in their respective vernacular languages.
The issue surfaced after several Indian nationals were allegedly recruited by agents on the promise of lucrative jobs in Russia, but later found themselves thrust into military service amid the conflict with Ukraine. Reports indicate that Russian authorities offered attractive financial packages to foreign recruits, including a signing bonus of around USD 5,000, a monthly salary of USD 2,500, promises of Russian citizenship, social benefits, and compensation of approximately USD 168,000 in the event of death.
India has repeatedly urged Moscow to ensure the early discharge and safe repatriation of its citizens. The MEA’s latest statement reaffirms the government’s commitment to bringing back all remaining nationals, while the Supreme Court’s intervention aims to provide support to affected families, ensuring they receive the necessary legal and procedural assistance during this difficult time.
