India has successfully secured the release of several Indian nationals who were working in supportive roles within the Russian military after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has been proactive in its efforts, ensuring the swift discharge of these individuals and is currently working on the release of around 20 more Indians who are still in Russia.Russia to discharge and facilitate the return of all Indians working in the Russian Army, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter with President Putin: Sources(file pic) pic.twitter.com/0gJM6XhaNm— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2024The development has come when PM Modi raised the issue at a formal dinner hosted by Putin on the evening of Monday, according to sources. Russia has added to discharge all the Indians working for the Russian army. Notably, at least two Indians have died fighting Russias war against Ukraine while dozens of others are struck at the war zone against Ukraine. Steps taken by India Earlier, the MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also confirmed that India is in regular touch with Russian authorities both in New Delhi and Moscow to facilitate the safe return of all Indian nationals involved. He also urged Indian citizens to avoid conflict zones to prevent such situations.Apart from this, the Indian probe agencies have also carried out raids at several places and busted the rackets of people involved in trafficking Indians to Russia. Putin and PM Modi had informal talksPresident Putin, meanwhile, congratulated Indian Prime Minister Modi on his re-election and credited his long-term commitment and capable leadership during their casual meetings at the Russian Presidents official house in Novo-Ogaryovo. Putin praised Modi for his dynamic leadership, creative ideas, and capacity to produce outcomes that are advantageous to India and its citizens. Furthering 🇮🇳-🇷🇺 friendship!President Putin hosted PM @narendramodi at the Novo-Ogaryovo in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/iPfDvRswVd— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 8, 2024Meanwhile, it is important to note that PM Modi and Putin have met 16 times over the past 10 years. The last in-person meeting between the two leaders happened on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistans Samarkand in 2022. In 2019, PM Modi was conferred the highest Russian state honour Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.Bilateral talks between PM Modi and PutinPM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Russian President Putin on Tuesday and will also attend the 22nd India-Russia Summit in Moscow. Notably, it is PM Narendra Modis first visit to Russia since the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv started in 2022.After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will depart for Austria in what is the first visit to the nation by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
