NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian Army, despite previous assurances from Moscow to halt recruitment. The MEA is actively engaging with Russian authorities to secure the release of these individuals and to end the recruitment of Indians into the military.

During a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have received information that several Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian Army. We have raised this matter with the Russian authorities, urging them to secure the release of these individuals at the earliest and to end this practice."

The issue has gained significant attention as families of the affected individuals have protested in Delhi, claiming their relatives were misled into joining the Russian military under false pretenses. Many of these individuals were promised jobs or educational opportunities, only to find themselves on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine.

Families from various states, including Haryana, Punjab, and Gujarat, have reported that their loved ones were coerced into enlisting as support staff, only to be deployed in combat roles. One notable case is that of Samarjeet Singh, a 21-year-old from Ludhiana, who has been missing for nearly two months after being seen in a Russian Army uniform near the Ukrainian border. His family is seeking government assistance to locate him.

Jaiswal also warned Indian citizens against accepting offers to join the Russian Army, describing such opportunities as life-threatening. He stated, "We once again take this opportunity to urge everyone to stay away from offers to serve in the Russian Army. Such offers are extremely dangerous and involve significant risks to life."

Despite claims from the Russian Ambassador to India that recruitment of Indians has ceased, families continue to express concern over the safety of their relatives. They have formally requested the Indian government to intervene and ensure the safe return of those who have been misled into military service.

The situation has escalated with reports of an Indian national, Majoti Sahil Mohammed from Gujarat, who allegedly surrendered to Ukrainian forces after joining the Russian Army. His case adds another layer of complexity, as he is now considered a prisoner of war. The Indian government is seeking consular access to assist him.

As the situation unfolds, the Indian government remains in contact with both the families of the affected individuals and Russian officials, aiming to resolve this pressing issue before the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India in December.