Emphasising that the
government was trying its best for their early discharge, MEA
spokesperson Jaiswal also noted that Indians in Russia have been advised not to
venture into the war zone or get caught into difficult situations.
“It is
our understanding that there are 20 people who’ve gone there to work as support
staff or as helpers with the Russian army. These are the people who have
contacted us, and that is our understanding that this is the number that we
have there,” Randhir Jaiswal said.
On February 26, the MEA said several Indians caught
in the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war had already been discharged
from the Russian army.
“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,” the MEA
said in a press release.
The
external affairs ministry further stated it was actively pursuing the early
discharge of Indian nationals from the Russian army.
“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 ministry said.