28.5c India
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, 85 Indians have been freed from the Russian military, a news that has brought immense relief to their families. Steps are underway to release another 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been deeply involved in this issue, and he brought it up at his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in July.
The issue will be explored further when Modi meets Putin at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. Misri claimed that India is in close contact with Russia's foreign and defence ministries to ensure the early release of these Indians, many of whom were "illegally or otherwise" contracted to fight in the Russian Army.
Misri further claimed that, in addition to 85 Indians returning, the bodies of nine more killed during the violence have also been brought back. The Russian embassy stated that both governments are trying to identify and dismiss Indian individuals who voluntarily served in the Russian military but now want to return home. Since April, the Russian Defense Ministry has halted recruiting citizens from many foreign countries, including India.
Modi's continued diplomatic efforts are intended to assure the safe return of all surviving Indian nationals.