India-Russia Collaboration for Early Discharge of Indian Recruits in Russian Armed Forces

India and Russia are collaborating to expedite the discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue during his recent visit to Russia. About 50 Indians have sought assistance for early discharge, and positive responses have been received from the Russian government.

India and Russia are collaborating to expedite the discharge of Indian nationals who have been recruited into the Russian armed forces, confirmed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow last week.

"We are aware of about 50 Indian nationals who currently wish to end their employment in the Russian armed forces," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. "These are cases where the individual or his/her family members have approached us for assistance in securing their early discharge."

The matter has been taken up with Russia at multiple levels, including the leadership level, Jaiswal added. "The prime minister raised this matter during his recent visit to Russia. The Russian side has responded positively to our request. Both sides are working for the early discharge of Indian nationals," he said.

Last month, the MEA highlighted the issue of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army as a matter of "utmost concern" and demanded action from Moscow.

In June, India reported that two Indian nationals had been killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, bringing the total number of such deaths to four.

Following these deaths, the MEA demanded a "verified stop" to the recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army. In a strongly-worded statement, the ministry stated that such activities would not be in "consonance with our partnership."

Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Russia on July 8 and 9 was high-profile, focusing on various bilateral issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)