As many as 10 Indians recruited by the Russian Army to fight against Ukraine have been released and returneeed back to India, the Ministry of External Affairs, on behalf of the government, disclosed on Friday.
Early this month, the government confirmed the death of two Indian nationals who were recruited by the Russian Army and engaged in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
"We have been in touch with the Russian authorities here in New Delhi and Moscow to facilitate the early release and repatriation of all Indian nationals serving with the Russian Army," said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while speaking to the media in New Delhi.
"So far, about 20-25 people have contacted us wanting to be evacuated. Of these, we have managed to repatriate 10 people to India. We also are in touch with the families of mortal remains of deceased persons and arranging for their return from Russia," the MEA spokesperson said.
India had earlier raised objections, demanding that recruitment of its nationals into the Russian Army be stopped.
"Such activities do not reflect the spirit of our bilateral partnership. We would urge Indian citizens to exercise caution before taking up any employment in Russia," the MEA had said in a statement earlier this month.
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