Early discharge of Indians from Russian army will be discussed during Modi's visit to Moscow, says Foreign Secy Kwatra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will be visiting Russia for the first time since the Ukraine war started will be pressing on early discharge of Indian nationals from Russia Army, said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

PM Modi will be in Moscow on July 8-9, 2024, at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to hold the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

"The leaders will review the entire range of multifaceted relations between the two countries and exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest," the statement from ministry said.


After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will travel to Austria from July 9-10. It will be first visit of Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years.

Indians trapped in Russian army:
Notably, around 20 persons were allegedly duped into fighting for the Russian Army in the war against Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs. At least two Indians have died.

The MEA confirmed in April that among the Indian nationals who were working as support staff in the Russian Army, 10 have returned to India.

Earlier this year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting Indian nationals on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly sending them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone.

(with agency inputs)