Thu Sep 11 04:07:01 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has addressed the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army to fight in Ukraine. The MEA has repeatedly warned against this practice and has urged Russian authorities to end it and release the Indian nationals. The MEA is in contact with both Russian authorities and the families of the affected individuals. This issue has been ongoing, with reports dating back to February 2024 indicating that Indians were being lured into military service under false pretenses. While some Indians have been released, concerns remain about those still serving or missing. Despite earlier assurances from the Russian Embassy that it was no longer recruiting Indians, the problem persists, and the MEA is reiterating its strong discouragement of Indian citizens joining the Russian army.
**News Article:**
**India Presses Russia to End Recruitment of Indian Nationals in Ukraine War**
**New Delhi, September 11, 2025** – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again raised concerns with Russian authorities regarding the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army and their subsequent deployment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at a press briefing today, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the government’s strong disapproval of the practice and urged Indian citizens to avoid any offers to join the Russian military.
“We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army,” Mr. Jaiswal stated. “Government has on several occasions over the past year underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly.”
The MEA confirmed that the issue has been taken up with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow, with requests made to end the recruitment of Indian nationals and ensure their release. The ministry is also in communication with the families of the affected individuals.
Reports have surfaced since early 2024, alleging that Indians were being lured to Russia on tourist visas and then pressured into serving in the military, often under the guise of security-related jobs. *The Hindu* newspaper first reported on this in February 2024. While some Indians have been successfully removed from Russian military service following diplomatic efforts, the issue persists. In July of this year, the MEA informed the Rajya Sabha that 98 out of 127 Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces had been discharged after sustained engagement between the two governments. However, 13 remained, with 12 reported missing by the Russian side.
Despite a statement from the Russian Embassy in August 2024, claiming that it was no longer recruiting Indians and was working to discharge those already enlisted, the problem appears to be ongoing.
“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,” Mr. Jaiswal emphasized.
The situation highlights the ongoing complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impact on international populations. The Indian government continues to work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
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