The Russian Embassy in New Delhi announced on Saturday that Moscow has never participated in any overt or covert operations, nor engaged in fraudulent activities, to recruit Indian nationals into its military service. According to the embassy’s statement, as of April this year, Russia’s Ministry of Defence ceased accepting citizens from several foreign nations, including India, into the Russian Armed Forces. This move signifies a notable change in Russia’s military recruitment policies.
Reports had emerged of Indians being deceived into joining Russia’s conflict with Ukraine under the guise of promising employment opportunities. The Russian mission acknowledged receiving numerous media inquiries regarding Indian citizens serving in its armed forces. In July, during a meeting in Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong concerns to President Vladimir Putin about the recruitment of Indian nationals. The Russian government subsequently assured a prompt release of these individuals from military service.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently informed Parliament that out of 91 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces, 14 have been discharged, while 69 await release. The embassy also extended its condolences to the families of Indian nationals who lost their lives while serving in the Russian Army during the conflict against Ukraine.
