India seeks details on 69 nationals serving in Russian army
India has approached Russian authorities seeking information about 69 Indian nationals who are reportedly still serving with the Russian military amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi has repeatedly pressed Moscow for the release of Indians recruited into the Russian armed forces.
According to the government, 259 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian military. Efforts by Indian authorities have so far resulted in the early discharge of 139 of them.
However, 51 Indians have died while serving on the frontlines, based on information shared by authorities over the past several months. India is continuing to seek information about the remaining 69 nationals.
Jaiswal once again warned Indians against accepting employment offers connected with the Russian military, describing such work as carrying a serious risk to their safety.
The ministry was also asked about reports concerning a laboratory worker’s death at a plague research facility in Siberia. Jaiswal said the relevant Russian authorities would be better placed to comment on the situation but assured that India remains prepared to assist Indian nationals in Russia if required.
Russia is home to more than 30,000 Indian students and approximately 70,000 Indian nationals, according to the ministry.