Archive · 8 Nov 2025
India Urges Russia to Release 44 Nationals Serving in Army
Imagine some people from India went to work in Russia.
Some of them have ended up in the Russian army, and India's government is worried.
They've confirmed that 44 Indian people are currently in the Russian army.
India's government has asked Russia to let these people come home quickly and to stop recruiting more Indians.
They are warning everyone in India not to accept job offers to work in the Russian army because it's very dangerous and can put their lives at risk.
This isn't the first time this has happened; before, many Indians were in the Russian army, and India's government worked to get them released.
India's government is talking to Russia's government about this problem and also keeping the families of these Indian people updated.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army.
The MEA urged Russian authorities to secure the immediate release and repatriation of these 44 Indian nationals.
India has warned its citizens against accepting recruitment offers for service in the Russian army, citing serious life-threatening risks.
The government is in touch with Russian authorities and the families of the affected Indian nationals regarding their situation.
This issue has arisen previously, with past efforts resulting in the discontinuation of services for 98 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces.
- Who
- India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- What
- Confirmed 44 Indian nationals are serving in the Russian army, urged their immediate release, and warned citizens against recruitment due to life-threatening risks.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Russia
- Why
- To ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens who are reportedly being recruited into the Russian army with significant risks to their lives.
India's Stance
Russia's Position/Actions
Recruitment of Indian Citizens
India's Stance
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is urging Russian authorities to halt the recruitment of Indian citizens into their army, warning of life-threatening risks.
Russia's Position/Actions
Despite advisories, Indian nationals have reportedly been recruited into the Russian army. While Russia's defense ministry stated recruitment stopped in April 2024, contracts for military service have apparently hindered the release of several Indian nationals.
Release of Indian Nationals
India's Stance
India demands the immediate release and repatriation of the 44 Indian citizens currently serving in the Russian army and is actively engaging with Russian authorities for their discharge.
Russia's Position/Actions
Contracts for military service appear to be a factor delaying the release of Indian nationals, even as previous engagements have led to the discontinuation of services for many.
- Number of Indians Currently Serving in Russian Army
- 44
- Previous Count (July)
- 127 (98 discharged)
- Indian Nationals Killed
- 12 (in conflict with Ukraine)
- Government Ministry Involved
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Date of MEA Statement
- Friday
- Russian Recruitment Halt Date (Reported)
- April 2024
