Archive · 9 Oct 2026
India Seeks Russia’s Update on 69 Indians in Military
India says about 259 of its citizens were recruited into the Russian military.
The government says it helped 139 leave the military, and one report says they returned home.
India is asking Russia for information about 69 people believed to still be with its forces.
Officials have also reported that 51 Indians died while serving on the frontlines in Ukraine.
India says joining the Russian military is very dangerous.
It has urged people not to accept such offers.
India says its records do not include people who have taken Russian citizenship.
Officials say they are ready to help Indian nationals in Russia if needed.
India says about 259 Indian citizens were recruited into the Russian armed forces.
The government says 139 have been discharged; one report says they returned home.
India is asking Moscow for details on 69 people believed to remain with Russian forces.
Authorities have reported that 51 Indians died while serving on Ukraine’s frontlines.
India has warned citizens against Russian military recruitment, citing grave danger to life.
- Who
- The Indian government and Russian authorities; the inquiry concerns Indian citizens reportedly serving with the Russian military.
- What
- India is seeking information about 69 people believed to remain with Russian forces and says it is working for their return.
- When
- The reports describe statements made on Wednesday and Friday; the first report is dated October 7, with no year specified.
- Where
- The discussions are between New Delhi and Moscow; reported deaths occurred on the frontlines in Ukraine.
- Why
- India is seeking the whereabouts and return of the nationals and warns that joining the Russian military poses grave risks.
Indian government
Recruitment status
Who is included in India’s figures
Indian government
India says its figures cover Indian citizens and that it does not have data on people who acquired Russian citizenship.
Recruitment status
The reports provide no Russian government figures or response; Jaiswal directed questions about Russian citizenship data to Russian authorities.
- Indian citizens believed recruited
- About 259
- Discharged
- 139; the second report says they returned home
- People whose whereabouts India is querying
- 69, believed to remain with the Russian military
- Reported deaths
- 51 Indians serving on Ukraine’s frontlines
- Indian students in Russia
- More than 30,000
- Indian nationals living in Russia
- Around 70,000
- Citizenship figures
- India said it has no data on Indian nationals who acquired Russian citizenship
- Indian official quoted
- External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
