20 Indians stuck in Russia, govt in touch with Moscow for early discharge: MEA

Asserting that the government was trying its level best for their early discharge, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indians in Russia have been advised not to venture into the war zone or get caught into situations which are difficult.

“We are in regular touch with Russian authorities both here in New Delhi and also in Moscow,” he added.

#WATCH | On Indians stuck in Russia, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We have an understanding that 20-odd people are stuck. We are trying our level best for their early discharge. We have issued two statements which you saw. We’ve also told people not to venture into the… pic.twitter.com/PUI48ZlbCi

— ANI (@ANI) February 29, 2024

Earlier on Monday, the MEA had said that India was “actively pursuing” all the relevant cases of Indians in the Russian army seeking an early discharge and that several Indians have already been discharged as a result.

The ministry’s statements follows media reports that said some Indians are working as support staff to the Russian army in the conflict zone of the Ukraine war and have been forced to fight alongside the Russian soldiers.

Earlier, in a press release issued on the MEA website, the ministry said, “We have seen some inaccurate reports in the media regarding Indians with the Russian army seeking help for discharge.”

“Each and every such case brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy in Moscow has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities and those brought to the attention of the Ministry have been taken up with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. Several Indians have already been discharged as a result,” it said.

“We remain committed, as a matter of top priority, to actively pursuing with the Russian authorities all the relevant cases of Indian nationals for an early discharge from the Russian army,” the release added.

The Indian Express had earlier reported that Hemil Mangukiya, a 23-year-old Surat native had died in a missile strike in Russia on February 21. Mangukiya had been working as a “helper” in the country and had reportedly been “inducted into the war zone” on the Ukraine border.