New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said it is committed to pursuing all relevant matters for the release of its citizens from the Russian military. The comments came in response to “incorrect reports” in the media regarding Indians seeking help from the Russian Army for release. “We have seen some incorrect reports in the media regarding Indians seeking help from the Russian Army for their release,” the ministry said in a statement.
“We are committed to actively pursuing with the Russian authorities the release of Indian nationals from the Russian military.”
“Every single such matter brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy in Moscow has been taken up strongly with the Russian authorities and the matters brought to the attention of the Ministry have also been taken up with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.” The statement further said that due to this, many Indians were already released. Last week, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal admitted that the ministry was aware of the recruitment of Indians by some agents who duped them into joining the Russia-Ukraine war. In a statement, the ministry called on the Indian community to stay away from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and urged them to take appropriate precautions.
According to media reports, 23-year-old Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya from Gujarat was killed in a Ukrainian airstrike in the Donetsk region on February 21. Indian authorities have not yet confirmed the death of Mangukiya, who was reportedly employed by the Russian army as a security assistant.