35 Indians discharged from Russian army since PM raised issue in July: MEA
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, awards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia | (File photo: PTI)
Forty-five Indians have been discharged from the Russian army and efforts are underway to release another 50, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
Of the 45 Indian nationals, 35 were dismissed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press conference.
The issue of Indians being recruited into the Russian army has become a source of irritation in India-Russia relations.
Modi had strongly raised the issue of early retirement of Indian nationals serving in the Russian army during his talks with Putin in Moscow in July.
Jaiswal said six Indians returned two days ago and several others would return home soon.
“When the prime minister travelled to Russia in July, he discussed the issue with President Putin. Since the prime minister’s visit, 35 Indians have been dismissed,” Jaiswal said.
“Before his visit, 10 Indian nationals were discharged. Forty-five Indian nationals have been discharged so far. Some of them have returned. Six of them returned two days ago and some others will return soon,” he said.
“There are still about 50 Indians in the Russian army, and we are trying our best to get them out as soon as possible,” Jaiswal said.
According to official data, nine Indians died while serving in the Russian army.
Last month, the Russian embassy said Moscow and New Delhi were working closely to “identify and discharge as soon as possible” Indian citizens who volunteered for contract military service and now want to return home.
Since April this year, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has stopped recruiting citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, for military service, the ministry said.
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First publication: Sep 12, 2024 | 11:57 PM IST