Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 8: India is continuing efforts to secure the release of 69 Indian nationals who remain with the Russian armed forces, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday, while once again warning Indians against joining the Russian military.

Jaiswal said the government has been pursuing the matter with Russian authorities and has secured the early discharge of 139 Indians. He said efforts were continuing to obtain information on the whereabouts and secure the release of the remaining 69 nationals.

According to government information, 259 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Of these, 139 have been discharged following India's efforts, while the cases of 69 others are being pursued with Russian authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs has also renewed its advisory against recruitment offers for military service in Russia, warning Indians about the serious risks involved.

"We yet again urge Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to join the Russian Army. It is fraught with grave danger to life," Jaiswal said.

The MEA said the issue remained a matter of deep concern, particularly as reports of Indians continuing to join the Russian armed forces have emerged despite repeated government advisories over the past two years.

Jaiswal said the latest advisory was issued on September 30, but reports of fresh recruitment were still being received.

"In spite of our repeated advisories over the past two years, including the latest one on 30 Sept, we are continuing to see reports about Indian nationals joining the Russian armed forces. This is a matter of deep concern," he said.