India Steps Up High-Level Talks With Russia to Repatriate Citizens From Military Service

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Diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Moscow have gathered rapid momentum following a high-level review by the India-Russia Consultative Committee, which confirmed that approximately 140 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Armed Forces have officially been discharged and retired from military service. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is currently pressing Russian authorities for the immediate release and safe repatriation of 55 other Indian citizens still believed to be stationed within military units. Taking up the matter at the highest administrative echelons, New Delhi reiterated its zero-tolerance approach toward fraudulent recruitment syndicates operating across state borders, as domestic law enforcement agencies expand crackdowns against unscrupulous human trafficking agents who deceived vulnerable job seekers into active combat zones.

High-Level Bilateral Talks: 140 Citizens Released, Inquiries Underway for 55 Remaining Nationals

A comprehensive briefing following the Consultative Committee session outlined the scope of continuous inter-governmental engagement between both nations:

Sustained Diplomatic Engagement: The official meeting briefing noted that the Indian government has actively engaged with Russian authorities at senior ministerial and diplomatic levels to secure the prompt, unconditional discharge of all Indian citizens enlisted in service.

140 Recruits Discharged: The ongoing coordination has resulted in approximately 140 Indian nationals being formally relieved from their duties in the Russian military to date.

Tracking 55 Stranded Personnel: The Indian diplomatic mission remains in active communication with Russian defense and foreign affairs ministries to trace the status, whereabouts, and release procedures for 55 Indian nationals reportedly serving across frontline and support units.

Cracking Down on Fraud Networks: Indian police forces and central investigative agencies have intensified enforcement actions against illegal job placement racketeers who lured young men abroad under false promises of civilian employment.

Grim Casualty Figures: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's Data on Deaths and Recruitment

The latest committee figures reflect sobering casualty data shared previously by top foreign ministry officials:

227 Enlistments Documented: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reported that, according to official records, a total of 227 Indian nationals were confirmed to have entered service within the Russian military apparatus.

Tragic Toll in Combat Zones: Foreign Secretary Misri confirmed that 51 Indian citizens have died in the course of the conflict, underscoring the severe risks faced by individuals trapped in foreign military operations.

Persistent Diplomatic Push: Misri reiterated that India has raised the issue consistently across multiple forums with Russian leadership to expedite the safe repatriation and return of all remaining personnel.