New Delhi: The process of releasing 70 Indian citizens serving in the Russian military remains stalled due to unresolved contract issues, sources revealed on Saturday. Despite diplomatic efforts, the Russian authorities have yet to cancel their military service contracts. This situation has gained urgency following the deaths of at least nine Indians in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.PM Modi raises issue with President PutinDuring his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need to release and repatriate Indian citizens working as support staff in Russian military units. Since then, diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Moscow have been actively engaged in resolving the issue. However, progress remains slow due to the Russian Defense Ministrys hesitation to cancel the contracts.Contract complications hindering progressSources indicate that the Russian Defense Ministry has yet to issue the necessary orders to cancel the military contracts of the Indian nationals. This delay has raised concerns that canceling these contracts could set a precedent for similar demands from citizens of other countries serving in the Russian military.Government efforts ongoingExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the issue in Parliament on August 9, highlighting the contract dispute as a key obstacle. He affirmed that the Indian government is taking the matter seriously and that President Putin has assured Prime Minister Modi of the release of Indian nationals. The Russian Embassy in New Delhi also confirmed that recruitment of Indian citizens for military service was halted in April, and efforts are underway for their release.Recruitment scams under investigationIndian authorities have pointed out that many Indians were misled into joining the Russian military by unscrupulous recruitment agents. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has already arrested several individuals involved in these scams and is continuing its probe into the matter.
