Ministry of External Affairs in touch with Russia to bring back Indians caught in battlefield

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (September 11, 2025) said it has taken up the issue of Indians joined in Russia’s war against Ukraine, with Russian authorities in Moscow and Delhi. The Ministry also urged the Indian nationals to stay away from offers to join Russian Army.

The Hindu reported that at least 15 Indian nationals are caught in the battlefield in Ukraine, where they are being forced to serve on the Russian side. 

In response to media queries on Indians recruited into the Russian army, official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. Government has on several occasions over the past one year underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly.”

Mr. Jaiswal added “We have also taken up the matter with Russian authorities, both in Delhi and Moscow, asking that this practice be ended and that our nationals be released. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens.”

The MEA spokesperson reiterated that “We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from any offers to join the Russian army as this is a course fraught with danger.”

This is not the first time Indians were forced to take part in the war. 

The External Affairs Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha on July 24, 2025 there were 127 Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces, of which the services of 98 individuals had been discontinued as a result of sustained engagement between the Indian and Russian governments on this matter, including at the highest levels. The Ministry said 13 Indian nationals remained in the Russian armed forces, of which 12 were reported missing by the Russian side.

The Hindu reported first on February 20, 2024 that Indians who travelled to Russia on tourist visas were offered jobs as security helpers but were forced to fight alongside the Russian military on the Russia-Ukraine border.

On August 10, 2024, the Russian Embassy issued a statement that it no longer admitted Indians into its Army. The embassy added it was working in “close coordination” with Indian authorities to help discharge Indian nationals recruited for the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine have been at war since February 24, 2022.