139 Indians Rescued, Around Two Dozen Still Serving in Russian Army

India has intensified its diplomatic efforts to bring home its citizens serving with the Russian Army, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirming that around two dozen Indian nationals remain with Russian military units even as 139 Indians have already been rescued and repatriated. The development comes amid renewed government warnings against fraudulent overseas job offers that have lured several Indians into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the growing challenge of human trafficking through fake employment networks.

Addressing a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi has been consistently engaging with Russian authorities to secure the release of the remaining Indians. "Our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals so far," he said, while reiterating the government's appeal for citizens to avoid job offers that are " fraught with risks " and circulated by unscrupulous agents.

The issue first surfaced in 2024, when several Indians were allegedly deceived by recruitment agents promising lucrative civilian jobs in hospitality, construction, transport and security, with salaries ranging between ₹2 lakh and ₹3 lakh per month. Many reportedly had their passports confiscated after arriving in Russia and were coerced into signing military contracts before being deployed near the Ukraine frontline.

India has pursued the matter through sustained diplomatic engagement, including discussions at the highest political level between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Indian Embassy in Moscow has also coordinated with Russian authorities to verify identities, arrange emergency travel documents, complete exit formalities and facilitate the safe return of affected citizens.

The humanitarian toll has been severe, with more than 30 Indian nationals losing their lives while serving with Russian forces. Several others have suffered injuries or remain missing. In parallel, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched investigations into recruitment rackets that allegedly used social media, YouTube channels and overseas consultants to lure unemployed youth into the conflict under false promises of civilian employment.

The issue has now reached the judiciary as well. Hearing petitions filed by affected families, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to appoint a nodal officer in the MEA to coordinate with families of those who have died, gone missing or sustained injuries during the conflict. The Court also instructed the government to facilitate DNA identification, assist in the return of mortal remains, streamline compensation claims and provide legal support to affected families.

The petitions allege that several Indians were duped by travel agents into joining the Russian military after being promised civilian jobs or educational opportunities. Families have sought compensation, repatriation of bodies and a coordinated institutional mechanism to support victims.

Reiterating its advisory, the MEA urged Indians to verify overseas employment offers through authorised channels and avoid jobs in conflict zones. While diplomatic efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining citizens, the government has stressed that preventing such fraudulent recruitment is equally critical to safeguarding Indian nationals abroad.