Indians in Russian Army: India in talks with Moscow to repatriate 69 nationals
Synopsis
Of the roughly 259 Indian citizens reportedly recruited into the Russian Army, 139 have returned home — but 69 remain unaccounted for in active service. India is now in direct talks with Moscow for their discharge, even as fresh recruitments continue despite repeated MEA warnings over two years.
Key Takeaways
Around 259 Indian citizens were reportedly recruited into the Russian Army , according to MEA data.
139 individuals have been discharged and repatriated through Indian government efforts.
Discussions with Moscow are ongoing for the return of 69 nationals still believed to be with Russian forces.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the figures at a press briefing in New Delhi on 9 October 2026 .
The MEA issued its latest advisory on 30 September , warning of 'grave danger to life' for those joining Russian forces.
India does not hold data on nationals who may have acquired Russian citizenship ; such queries were redirected to the Russian Embassy.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, 9 October 2026, confirmed that India is actively engaged in discussions with Moscow to secure the return of 69 Indian nationals believed to still be serving with the Russian military. Out of approximately 259 Indian citizens reportedly recruited into the Russian Army, 139 have already been discharged and repatriated through the Indian government's efforts.
What the MEA Said
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, provided an updated account of India's ongoing consular efforts. 'According to the information we have so far, we believe around 259 Indian citizens were recruited into the Russian Army. Out of these, we have been able to secure the discharge of 139 individuals who have returned home. Currently, we are in discussions with the Russian government regarding 69 people who we believe are still with the Russian military, seeking details about where they are and how they can be brought back...' Jaiswal said.
When asked whether New Delhi had figures on Indian nationals who may have acquired Russian citizenship, Jaiswal clarified that the government's data covered only Indian citizens. 'If you want to know who has taken Russian citizenship, you will have to ask the Russian Embassy or their Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in Moscow,' he added.
Repeated Warnings Issued
The MEA's disclosure comes after a string of escalating advisories. As recently as 30 September, the government had urged Indian nationals to avoid offers of recruitment into the Russian armed forces. On Wednesday, the MEA reiterated that such recruitment was 'fraught with danger to life, grave danger to life,' even as reports continued to emerge of fresh recruitments.
'In spite of our repeated reminders of our advisories, including the last one on 30th September, we continue to see reports about Indian nationals joining Russian forces. This is obviously a matter of deep concern,' Jaiswal said.
Pattern of Recruitment and Risk
The problem is not new. Over the past two years, the Indian government has issued multiple advisories cautioning citizens against being lured by unverified job offers — a recruitment method reportedly used to funnel Indian nationals into conflict zones. The ongoing war in Ukraine has made this a life-threatening proposition, with India now tracking cases across both discharged personnel and those still believed to be in active service.
Notably, the 51 Indian nationals accounted for — the gap between the 259 recruited and the 139 repatriated plus 69 under discussion — remain unaccounted for in the MEA's public briefing, a detail that has not yet been officially addressed.
What Happens Next
Bilateral discussions with Russia are continuing, with the Indian side seeking precise locations and discharge timelines for the 69 individuals still believed to be with Russian forces. The MEA has also reiterated its advisory for Indians travelling to Russia, urging caution regarding job offers from unverified sources. How quickly Moscow responds will determine the pace of further repatriations.
Point of View
Numbers-driven briefing masks a deeper problem: after two years and multiple advisories, Indians are still being recruited into a live war zone, suggesting the information gap — or the economic desperation — driving these decisions has not been closed. The 51-person discrepancy between the 259 recruited and the 208 accounted for (139 returned plus 69 under discussion) deserves scrutiny that the briefing did not invite. India's diplomatic leverage with Moscow on consular matters has historically been limited, and the pace of repatriations — 139 over two-plus years — signals that leverage is constrained even now. Without a formal bilateral mechanism and stricter action against recruiters operating domestically, advisories alone will not stem the flow.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indians are still with the Russian Army?
According to the MEA, approximately 69 Indian nationals are believed to still be serving with the Russian military as of 9 October 2026. India is in active discussions with Moscow to secure their discharge and repatriation.
How many Indians were recruited into the Russian Army in total?
The MEA estimates around 259 Indian citizens were recruited into the Russian Army. Of these, 139 have been discharged and returned home, while 69 are still believed to be with Russian forces.
What is India doing to bring back its nationals from Russia?
The Ministry of External Affairs is in ongoing diplomatic discussions with the Russian government to determine the whereabouts of the remaining 69 Indian nationals and to facilitate their discharge. The MEA has also been issuing repeated public advisories warning against such recruitment.
Why are Indian nationals joining the Russian Army?
The MEA has indicated that many recruits are lured by unverified job offers — a method reportedly used by unofficial recruiters. The government has repeatedly cautioned Indian citizens to be wary of such offers when travelling or seeking employment abroad.
What has the Indian government said about the danger of joining Russian forces?
The MEA has described recruitment into the Russian Army as 'fraught with danger to life, grave danger to life.' It issued its most recent advisory on 30 September 2026, stating that the risks remain severe amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
