Archive · 31 Jul 2026
India Secures Release of 139 Indians from Russian Army
India has freed 139 of its citizens who were working for the Russian Army.
About two dozen people are still in the army and India is trying to get them home.
The Indian foreign ministry, called the MEA, is talking to Russia to help.
The Supreme Court of India told the MEA to set up a special officer to help families of those who were hurt or killed.
The MEA also warns Indians not to take risky job offers abroad that could lead to military service.
India has freed 139 Indian nationals who were serving in the Russian Army.
Around two dozen Indian nationals remain in Russian military service.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively pursuing their release.
The Supreme Court has directed MEA to appoint a nodal officer to aid families of affected citizens.
MEA cautions Indians against risky overseas job offers that may lead to military recruitment.
- Who
- Indian nationals and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs
- What
- Release of 139 Indians from the Russian Army and ongoing efforts for the remaining
- When
- July 31, 2026
- Where
- Russia (Russian Army) and India (MEA)
- Why
- To secure the safety and repatriation of Indian citizens recruited into the Russian military during the Russia‑Ukraine war
- Released Indian nationals
- 139
- Remaining Indian nationals
- around 24
- Date of statement
- July 31, 2026
- Agency involved
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Supreme Court directive
- appoint nodal officer for families
Sources
Govt. has secured release of 139 Indian nationals working for Russian Army: MEA
Efforts On To Release 24 Indians Serving In Russian Army: MEA
Two dozen Indians still working with Russian Army, efforts on to secure their release: MEA