The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revealed that several Indians employed as support staff for the Russian army have been discharged in response to India's request. The MEA emphasized that it was India's top priority to actively engage with Russian authorities to secure the early release of Indian nationals involved in relevant cases within the Russian military.

Media reports indicate that numerous Indians, employed as security assistants, found themselves compelled to engage in conflict, including fighting alongside Russian soldiers in specific areas along the Russia-Ukraine border.

"We have seen some inaccurate reports in the media regarding Indians with the Russian army seeking help for discharge," the MEA said in a statement.

"Each and every such case brought to the attention of the Indian embassy in Moscow has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities and those brought to the attention of the Ministry have been taken up with the Russian embassy in New Delhi," it said.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement last week, asserted that New Delhi has been in communication with Moscow to facilitate the swift discharge of Indian individuals serving as support staff to the Russian army. Additionally, he urged Indian nationals to exercise caution and refrain from entering conflict zones in Ukraine.

Addressing the situation, Jaiswal had stated, "We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict."

Earlier, Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), had appealed to the MEA to take necessary steps for the rescue of Indian citizens involved in the matter.

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