Overview

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs warned citizens against joining the Russian military, calling such offers "fraught with danger."
• The Hindu reported that at least 15 Indians are caught on the battlefield, including two men in the Donetsk region who said they were lured on student or visitor visas with promises of construction work and then sent to the frontline.
• The ministry said it has raised the issue with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow and is in touch with families to seek the release of those affected.
• In a July 24 briefing to Parliament, officials reported 127 Indians had served with Russian forces, 98 had been discharged, 13 remained, and 12 were listed as missing by the Russian side.
• The Russian Embassy said in August 2024 that it had stopped admitting Indians into its army and was coordinating discharges, yet fresh accounts suggest the problem persists.