Several Indians have already been discharged as a result of these efforts, says MEA
Describing as “inaccurate” some reports in the media regarding Indians with the Russian army seeking help for discharge, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said all cases brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy had been taken up strongly with the Russian authorities.
 
“Each and every such case brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy in Moscow has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities and those brought to the attention of the Ministry have been taken up with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. Several Indians have already been discharged as a result,” the MEA said in a statement issued on February 26, 2024.
 
“We remain committed, as a matter of top priority, to actively pursuing with the Russian authorities all the relevant cases of Indian nationals for an early discharge from the Russian army,” the MEA said.
 
According to some media reports, several Indians have been working as security helpers in the Russian military; some were even forced to fight with Russian soldiers in certain areas along Russia's border with Ukraine, these reports claimed.
 
Last week, in response to media queries regarding Indians caught in the conflict in Russia, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had urged all Indian nationals to exercise due caution.
 
"We are aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army. The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict," the MEA Official Spokesperson said.