India in touch with Russia for early release of citizens who joined war against Ukraine

India's foreign ministry has asked its citizens to stay away from joining the Russian army to fight the Ukraine war.

In a statement on February 23, New Delhi said it is in touch with the Russian government for the early release of some Indians working with the Russian Army in "support jobs". However, it did not elaborate on how many Indians are working with the Russian Army.

"We are aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army," said the statement.

"The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early discharge. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict."

The response came after the Hindu newspaper reported that around 100 Indians had been recruited in the past year under contracts lasting at least a year. Nationals of many countries have sought work with the Russian army, including Nepal.

Last month, Nepal stopped issuing permits to its citizens to work in Russia and Ukraine until further notice after at least 10 Nepali soldiers were killed while serving in the Russian army, reports Reuters news agency.

Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022 in what it calls a "special military operation". Tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides have since died in the bloodiest land war in Europe since World War Two.