The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has received numerous media inquiries regarding the presence of Indian citizens serving in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. These inquiries have gained urgency following the unfortunate reports of casualties among Indian nationals participating in the ongoing Special Military Operation in Ukraine. The Embassy of the Russian Federation expresses its deepest condolences to the Government of India and to the families of the deceased Indian nationals. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in these challenging circumstances.

In light of this situation, it is important to clarify that Indian nationals serving in the Russian Armed Forces have done so on a voluntary basis, having contracted individually for military service. The concerned agencies in both Russia and India are working closely together to ensure the early identification and appropriate discharge of these individuals. All contractual obligations, including due compensation payments, will be honored fully in accordance with the agreements made.

In April 2024, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation instituted a policy halting the admission of citizens from several foreign countries, including India, into the Russian Armed Forces. This decision reflects a shift in recruitment policies and aims to manage the composition of military personnel more effectively.

The Embassy would also like to emphasize that the Russian Government has never engaged in any public or covert campaigns, nor has it been involved in any fraudulent activities aimed at recruiting Indian nationals for military service in Russia. We categorically deny any such allegations and reiterate our commitment to maintaining transparency in all our international engagements.