India secures release of 85 citizens from Russian Army, 20 still await discharge

India has secured the release of 85 citizens who were deceptively recruited into the Russian Army, while diplomatic efforts continue for the remaining 20, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on 21 October, as per India TV News.

At least eight have been killed in combat fighting against Ukraine. Desperate for more manpower after losing soldiers in Ukraine, Russia deceives foreign civilians, including Indians, into combat roles by promising well-paid non-combat positions. This recruitment drive extends globally, targeting economically challenged nations like Nepal and Central Asian countries, as part of Russia’s broader effort to bolster its forces. India, a longstanding ally of Russia, has refrained from explicitly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

During a press briefing in New Delhi, Misri detailed the government’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of all Indian nationals from Russian military service.

“Our embassy officials have been in close touch with the interlocutors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense of Russia on the issue of Indians who were illegally or otherwise contracted into fighting in the Russian army,” Misri said.

The Indian Foreign Secretary confirmed that the matter had received attention at the highest diplomatic levels.

“The matter was taken at the highest level including by PM Modi with President Putin,” he stated, adding that “Around 85 people have returned from Russia and unfortunately, we have returned the mortal remains of people who lost their lives during the conflict.”

The issue first emerged in January 2024 when media reports revealed that Indian youths had been tricked into joining the Russian Army. Following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow in July, where he raised the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian government agreed to release all Indian nationals from their military service.

In mid-September, India’s Foreign Ministry reported that it had successfully secured the discharge of 45 citizens from the Russian army and continued efforts to rescue 50 more who are fighting against Ukraine.

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