MEA: India in talks with Ukraine to secure release of Indian national in custody
Synopsis
India is negotiating on two fronts simultaneously — with Kyiv over an Indian national in Ukrainian custody and with Moscow over 69 citizens still believed to be serving in the Russian military. With 139 already returned home and consular access secured in Ukraine, the MEA’s disclosure reveals a quiet but high-stakes diplomatic effort to extract Indian citizens from an active war zone.
Key Takeaways
The MEA confirmed on 28 October 2026 that India is in active talks with Ukraine to secure the release of an Indian national in custody there.
Consular visits have been conducted to check on the detained individual’s well-being, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Of approximately 259 Indian citizens recruited into the Russian Army , 139 have returned home through Indian government efforts.
Discussions with Moscow are ongoing regarding the remaining 69 individuals still believed to be with the Russian military.
The MEA reiterated on 30 September that joining the Russian armed forces is a ‘dangerous path’ and strongly discouraged by the government.
Law enforcement agencies have taken action against travel agents and intermediaries facilitating such recruitment over the past two years.
India is actively engaged in diplomatic talks with the Ukrainian government to secure the release of an Indian national currently held in custody there, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. The disclosure came during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, underscoring the broader challenge India faces in retrieving its citizens caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
What the MEA Said
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that consular visits have already been conducted to check on the detained individual's well-being. “Talks are ongoing with the Ukrainian government concerning an Indian national who is in custody there. We are making efforts to bring him back to India,” Jaiswal said, adding that consular access has been secured.
On the parallel front involving Russia, Jaiswal reiterated that India is in active discussions with Moscow to secure the discharge of Indians still serving in the Russian armed forces. He noted that the government has issued several advisories on the matter over the past two years, and that law enforcement agencies have taken action against travel agents and individuals involved in facilitating such recruitment.
The Numbers: Indians in the Russian Military
According to figures shared by Jaiswal on 9 October, approximately 259 Indian citizens were recruited into the Russian Army. Of these, 139 have been discharged and returned home through Indian government efforts. Discussions with Moscow are currently underway regarding the remaining 69 individuals believed to still be with the Russian military. The MEA said it does not hold data on Indian nationals who may have acquired Russian citizenship, as its records cover only those holding Indian citizenship.
Government Advisories and Action Taken
The MEA on 30 September renewed its warning to Indian nationals against accepting offers to join the Russian Army, calling such recruitment a “serious threat to their lives.” In a statement, the ministry flagged a troubling pattern: “We have also come across numerous instances wherein individuals are willingly seeking out offers to join the Russian armed forces with an understanding that they would be able to avail concomitant monetary benefits, and later secure release by approaching the Indian Government.”
The MEA was unambiguous in its response: “It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government.” Jaiswal said law enforcement agencies have acted against travel agents and other intermediaries found to be facilitating such placements over the past two years.
Broader Context: India's Diplomatic Tightrope
India has maintained a carefully calibrated position on the Russia-Ukraine war, abstaining from key UN votes while simultaneously engaging both Moscow and Kyiv on humanitarian grounds. The retrieval of Indian nationals from active conflict zones represents one of the most sensitive consular challenges New Delhi has faced in recent years. This is not the first time Indian citizens have been found serving in foreign armed forces — similar cases emerged during conflicts in the Middle East — but the Russia-Ukraine theatre has brought the issue to a new scale.
With diplomatic channels open on both sides, the government's next steps in bringing back the remaining 69 individuals from Russia and resolving the Ukraine custody case will be closely watched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an Indian national in custody in Ukraine?
The MEA has not disclosed the specific circumstances of the Indian national’s detention in Ukraine. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on 28 October that talks are ongoing with the Ukrainian government for the person’s release and that consular visits have been conducted to check on his well-being.
How many Indians are still serving in the Russian Army?
According to MEA figures shared on 9 October, approximately 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 the Russian military and are the subject of ongoing discussions with Moscow.
What has India done to stop Indians from joining the Russian military?
The MEA has issued several advisories over the past two years warning Indian nationals against accepting offers to join the Russian armed forces. Law enforcement agencies have also taken action against travel agents and other individuals involved in facilitating such recruitment.
Does India have data on how many nationals have taken Russian citizenship?
No. The MEA said it does not hold data on Indian nationals who may have acquired Russian citizenship, as its records cover only those who remain Indian citizens. Jaiswal directed such queries to the Russian Embassy or Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What is India’s overall position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict regarding its citizens?
India has been engaging both Moscow and Kyiv through diplomatic channels to secure the return of its citizens. The government has strongly discouraged Indians from joining the Russian armed forces, warning that some nationals have sought enlistment expecting monetary benefits and a later government-facilitated release — a path the MEA has called dangerous and inadvisable.
