The Ministry of External Affairs on February 29 said that at least 20 Indians were enlisted in the Russian Army to fight against Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian government is in touch with Russian authorities seeking early release of the Indians stuck in the war zone.
Responding to a query on how many Indians have joined the Russian Army, Jaiswal responded, "It is our understanding that there are 20 people who've gone there to work as support staff or as helpers with the Russian Army. These are the people who have contacted us, and that is our understanding that this is the number that we have there."
The response came after reports emerged that dozens of Indians looking for jobs were allegedly duped into joining the Russian military.