Archive · 5 Dec 2025
India Seeks Release of Indians in Russian Military
India is trying to help its citizens who joined the Russian army.
The Indian government has asked Russia to release these people.
They also warned Indians not to join the Russian army because it's dangerous.
Some Indians went to Russia for jobs but were tricked into joining the army.
The government is also making it easier for Russians to visit India by giving them free visas.
They are also offering free group tourist visas to Russia for the first time.
India is actively working to secure the release of its citizens who have joined the Russian armed forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his state visit.
The MEA has reported that 127 Indians joined the Russian army, 98 were evacuated, and 12 remain missing.
India has introduced a 30-day e-tourist visa on a gratis basis for Russian citizens and is offering group tourist visas to Russia free of charge for the first time.
The MEA has warned Indian citizens against accepting offers to join the Russian military, citing serious risks to life.
- Who
- Indian citizens, Russian authorities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
- What
- India is working to secure the release of its citizens who have joined the Russian armed forces and has introduced new travel and tourism facilitation measures for Russian citizens.
- When
- The issue was raised during the state visit of Vladimir Putin, and the MEA has been actively engaged in the matter for the past few months.
- Where
- India and Russia
- Why
- To secure the release of Indian citizens from the Russian Army and to facilitate travel and tourism between India and Russia.
- Number of Indians Joined Russian Army
- 127
- Number of Indians Evacuated
- 98
- Number of Indians Missing
- 12
- Number of Indians Currently Serving
- 44
- Visa Facilitation
- 30-day e-tourist visa on a gratis basis for Russian citizens and group tourist visas to Russia free of charge