’69 still awaiting release’: Jaishankar on Indian Nationals in Russian Army

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed concerns in the Lok Sabha about Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Army. He reported that out of 91 Indians recruited, 14 have been discharged, and 69 are still awaiting release. Jaishankar emphasized that the government is taking this issue very seriously.

Responding to a question from Congress MP Adoor Prakash, Jaishankar explained that many of these Indian nationals were recruited under false pretenses. He stated, “We have 91 cases of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Army. Unfortunately, eight have passed away, 14 have been discharged or returned with our help, and 69 are still awaiting release.”

Jaishankar added that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he had personally raised these issues with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin during their visit to Moscow last month. He assured that President Putin had promised that any Indian nationals currently in the Russian Army would be discharged and released.

However, Jaishankar noted that Russian authorities claim these nationals entered into contracts for military service, a position the Indian government disputes.

In response to inquiries about actions taken, Jaishankar mentioned that a criminal case has been filed. The CBI has registered a case against 19 individuals and entities involved in human trafficking. Investigations have identified 10 traffickers, with four individuals already in judicial custody.

AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also questioned Jaishankar, asking if the Indian Embassy in Russia would ensure the return of the 69 Indian nationals and if the government would cancel the passports of those involved in the scam. Jaishankar confirmed that the remains of eight deceased nationals have been sent back to India and assured ongoing inquiries into the 19 cases.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia on July 8-9, for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, saw him raise the issue of Indian nationals in the Russian Army with President Putin. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra reported that the Russian government promised an “early discharge” of these individuals.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had previously uncovered a major human trafficking network that deceived Indians with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to send them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone. The network operated through social media and local contacts, luring victims with the promise of high-paying jobs in Russia.