India has approached the Russian authorities for “early discharge” of Indians working as support staff with the Russian Army, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, urging Indian nationals to stay away from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The comments by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal came after a February 20 report by The Hindu that at least three Indians who were hired as security helpers by Russia were forced to fight alongside the country’s forces along its border with Ukraine. The Hindu subsequently reported that there are around 100 Indians who are said to have been hired by the Russian Army over the past year.
“We are aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army. The Indian embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict,” Mr. Jaiswal said.
