Government emphasizes the risks of joining foreign military forces amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
India has formally requested the immediate release and repatriation of 27 Indian nationals who have recently been recruited into the Russian military. This appeal was articulated by the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, during a press conference. He stated that the Indian government has been proactive in addressing the issue through its diplomatic channels in Russia and has urged Moscow to facilitate the return of its citizens as soon as possible.
Jaiswal highlighted that advisories had already been issued to caution Indians against such recruitment efforts, emphasizing the inherent dangers associated with joining foreign armed forces. He noted that individuals should be mindful of the risks involved and the temptations presented by employment opportunities in conflict zones. His statements come in light of previous reports that indicated at least 15 Indians were stranded in Ukraine, allegedly compelled to fight alongside the Russian military.
In response to inquiries regarding the aforementioned report, Jaiswal reiterated that engaging with the Russian military was fraught with peril. He remarked that the Indian government has been actively communicating with Russian officials both in New Delhi and Moscow to seek an end to this practice and to secure the release of the nationals involved.
This situation escalated following the death of an Indian citizen from Kerala, who had been recruited by the Russian Army. In January, the Ministry of External Affairs had issued a warning against joining the Russian military, indicating that many individuals had been misled by unscrupulous agents. The ministry clarified that many of those recruited are often assigned to support roles, such as cooks and helpers, rather than combat positions.
According to previous disclosures, as of July, there were approximately 127 Indian citizens serving in the Russian armed forces. Of those, 98 had returned to India due to sustained diplomatic engagement between the two nations. In an important development, the Russian defense ministry ceased recruitment of Indian nationals in April 2024, as confirmed by the Russian embassy in New Delhi. However, the release of several Indians has been delayed due to existing contracts for military service.
The context of these developments is rooted in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. This conflict has led to significant geopolitical tensions and has been described as the deadliest confrontation in Europe since World War II. The Indian government continues to advocate for the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, while also navigating the complexities of international relations in a time of crisis.
