India has asked Russia to allow its citizens who have contracts with the Russian army to retire early

The Indian authorities have asked Russia to allow Indian citizens who have entered into contracts with the Russian army to retire early, The Hindu writes, citing the country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.

“We are aware that several Indian citizens have signed up for auxiliary work in the Russian army. The Indian Embassy is discussing the issue of their early release with the responsible authorities of the Russian Federation. We urge all Indian citizens to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

According to The Hindu, about 100 Indian citizens may have entered into contracts with the Russian army over the past year. On February 20, the publication reported that at least three Indian citizens who agreed to work that did not involve participation in hostilities were forced to fight in the ranks of the Russian army.

• In early December 2023, Nepal asked Russia to stop recruiting its citizens for war. The country's Foreign Ministry then claimed that six Nepalese were killed in the war in Ukraine.
• In January, Nepalese authorities temporarily stopped issuing work permits to citizens of the country in Russia and Ukraine. At the same time, Reuters, citing an assessment by the country’s government, wrote that up to 200 Nepalese citizens could join the Russian army. According to the Nepalese Foreign Ministry, about 100 citizens of the country are missing.