India Secures Release of 139 Nationals from Russian Army, Seeks Return of Remaining

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 139 Indian nationals have been released from the Russian army. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the remaining two dozen Indians still serving in the Russian forces.

The ministry reiterated its warning against risky overseas job offers, noting that many Indians were misled into joining the Russian army. In December, the MEA reported that about 202 Indian nationals were believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces, with more than two dozen losing their lives and some reported missing.

An advisory issued in September warned Indian citizens not to accept construction‑job offers that could lead to deployment on the frontline of the Ukraine war. The advisory cited two Indian men who said they were lured to Russia, traveled to the Donetsk region, and ended up fighting near the town of Selydove, which is under Russian control.