139 Indian Nationals Released from Russian Army, MEA Continues Efforts to Bring Back Remaining Indians
MEA says 139 Indian nationals have been released from the Russian Army. India is working to bring back the remaining Indians and has again warned against risky overseas job offers.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, July 31, confirmed that 139 Indian nationals have been released from the Russian Army so far. The government said it is continuing efforts to secure the release of the remaining two dozen Indians who are reportedly still serving in the Russian military.
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MEA Confirms Release of 139 Indians
Speaking during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has been consistently engaging with the Russian authorities.
“We have been following up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. So far, our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals; we continue to pursue the release of the remaining two dozen Indian nationals who are reportedly in the Russian army,” Randhir Jaiswal said.
MEA Warns Against Risky Overseas Job Offers
The MEA once again cautioned Indian citizens against accepting suspicious overseas employment offers.
Randhir Jaiswal said:
“Once again, we would like to caution our people against job offers that are fraught with risk and made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies.”
202 Indians Believed to Have Joined Russian Armed Forces
The Ministry said in December that 202 Indian nationals were believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces.
According to the MEA:
- Government efforts have resulted in the early discharge of many recruits.
- More than two dozen Indians have reportedly lost their lives.
- Some Indian nationals have also been reported missing by the Russian side.
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Earlier Advisory Against Joining Russian Army
In September 2025, the MEA issued a strong advisory urging Indian nationals not to join the Russian Army, following reports that several Indians who travelled to Moscow were being deployed in combat roles in the Ukraine war.
The advisory followed a report by a leading newspaper stating that two Indian men in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine alleged they had been lured to Russia with promises of construction jobs but were instead deployed on the frontline.
The two men reportedly spoke by phone from Selydove, a town captured by Russia in November 2024, and claimed that at least 13 more Indians were trapped under similar circumstances.
The report further stated that the two had travelled to Russia in the previous six months on student or visitor visas. They alleged that an agent who promised employment in the construction sector instead sent them directly to the battlefield.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 139 Indian nationals have been released from the Russian Army, while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining two dozen Indians reportedly still serving. The government has also reiterated its warning against accepting risky overseas job offers from unscrupulous individuals and agencies, urging citizens to remain cautious.
