India is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release and return of its citizens associated with the Russian armed forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated that the matter remains a priority and that New Delhi is regularly engaging with Russian authorities to facilitate the safe return of the remaining Indian nationals.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue during a media briefing on November 3, 2026. He indicated that India was continuing its efforts through diplomatic channels to secure the discharge of citizens still associated with the Russian military.
According to figures previously shared by the MEA, around 259 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Of these, 139 had received early discharge and returned to India, while efforts were continuing to secure the release of another 69 individuals. The government has also clarified that its records concern Indian citizens and do not include individuals who may have subsequently acquired Russian citizenship.
The issue was also part of the broader diplomatic engagement between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on October 31.
The two ministers discussed the Ukraine conflict, developments in the Gulf region and various multilateral issues. Their discussions reflected continuing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Moscow amid growing international security concerns.
India has maintained that diplomatic dialogue is essential to resolving international conflicts while consistently raising concerns about the safety of its citizens abroad. The government has also advised Indian nationals to exercise caution regarding misleading overseas employment opportunities linked to military recruitment.
New Delhi’s continued engagement with Moscow highlights the importance it attaches to protecting Indian citizens and maintaining bilateral relations. Securing the safe discharge and repatriation of the remaining nationals remains an important concern for India as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues.