Several Indian citizens are reportedly serving in the Russian army, with some allegedly misled into military roles. PM Modi has raised the issue with Putin. How is India securing their release and preventing further recruitment?
The issue of Indian citizens serving in the Russian armed forces was raised by PM Modi
New Delhi: The issue of Indian citizens serving in the Russian armed forces was raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted India’s ongoing efforts to secure the safe return of its nationals while cautioning against further recruitment.
“Prime Minister Modi brought up the recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian armed forces. Our concerted efforts continue on a regular basis to ensure their early release,” Misri said during a special briefing on Putin’s state visit.
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Misri advised Indian nationals to avoid offers to join the Russian military, citing serious risks to life. “We are seeing several cases of people stranded there, appealing to be rescued and brought back. Citizens must very carefully avoid any offers to serve in the Russian armed forces,” he added.
Families of Indians reportedly stranded in Russia have protested, demanding government intervention. According to MEA updates, 127 Indian citizens joined the Russian army, of whom 98 have been evacuated while 12 remain missing. Recent reports suggest 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian military.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said many of the recruits were allegedly misled, signing up for civilian, support, or student roles but ending up coerced into military service. “Passports were reportedly confiscated, and individuals were forced to accept military contracts,” he noted.
Amid these security concerns, India is also taking steps to facilitate travel and tourism with Russia. Misri confirmed that a 30-day e-tourist visa is now available to Russian citizens free of charge, based on reciprocity. For the first time, India is also offering group tourist visas to Russia on a gratis basis, promoting smoother travel and tourism exchange between the two countries.
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“These initiatives are intended to strengthen bilateral ties while ensuring safe and regulated travel,” Misri said.
The MEA emphasized that India is in continuous contact with Russian authorities and the families of affected citizens to monitor developments. “We have repeatedly raised the issue with Russia to secure the release of these individuals and to prevent further recruitment,” Jaiswal said.
Officials reiterated that Indian nationals must remain vigilant and avoid accepting military recruitment offers abroad due to significant risks to their safety.
