NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that the Indian government is working towards the release of 69 Indian nationals who are currently enlisted in the Russian army. Jaishankar indicated that there are signs that many of these individuals were misled about their recruitment.

In his address, Jaishankar reported that there have been 91 cases of Indian nationals being recruited by the Russian military. Of these, eight individuals have died, 14 have been either discharged or returned, and efforts are now focused on securing the release of the remaining 69.

Jaishankar emphasized the seriousness with which the Indian government is treating this issue. He revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also addressed the matter during his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The minister clarified that while Russian authorities claim that the Indian nationals voluntarily signed contracts for military service, there are substantial indications that many were deceived about the nature of their recruitment. Jaishankar asserted that these individuals were led to believe they were accepting other types of employment before being assigned to the Russian army.

The prime minister has received assurances from President Putin that all Indian nationals currently serving in the Russian military will be discharged and returned.

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