New Delhi urges Kremlin to return recruited citizens following deaths of two Indians in Russian army

Photo: Two Indians recruited by the Russian army died in Ukraine (GettyImages)

Two Indian citizens who fought on the side of Russia in the war against Ukraine have been killed. In light of this, New Delhi has called on Moscow to release and return home other Indians serving in the Russian Armed Forces ahead of schedule, according to the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

According to the department, the Indian Embassy in Moscow "has pressed" the Russian authorities, particularly the Ministry of Defense, for the prompt repatriation of the bodies.

Against this backdrop, Indian diplomats "have strongly taken up the matter" with the Russian ambassador in New Delhi and the Kremlin regarding the early release from service and repatriation of all Indian citizens currently serving in the Russian army.

"India has also demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of our nationals by the Russian Army. Such activities would not be in consonance with our partnership," the statement reads.

The Ministry emphasized the need for Indian nationals to be cautious when seeking employment in Russia.

Russia recruits foreigners for the war in Ukraine

Recently we reported on how the Russian Federation threatens migrants and foreign students with deportation if they refuse to go to war against Ukraine.

Russia has also attempted to recruit Serbs and Ukrainians residing in the occupied territories.

It was previously revealed that Russia has recruited tens of thousands of mercenaries from Africa and Asia for the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the Russian Federation is bringing mercenaries from Cuba and Nepal to the occupied territory.

However, mercenaries from Nepal have started to desert from the Russian army in large numbers.