The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has confirmed that 202 Indian nationals were recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 confirmed fatalities and seven individuals currently reported missing. The government has successfully facilitated the early discharge of 119 of these citizens and is actively working to repatriate 50 more who remain enlisted. Reports indicate that many of these individuals were lured to Russia under false pretenses, such as promises of employment or education, before being coerced into military service. The MEA has taken steps to assist the families of the deceased, including the repatriation of remains and the provision of DNA samples to identify those missing. This situation highlights the increasing risks faced by Indian citizens abroad and underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding its nationals by countering fraudulent recruitment practices and urging caution against travel to conflict zones.