2 Indians, recruited by Russian army, killed in Ukraine war

Confirming this, the foreign ministry said the government has taken up the issue with Russia and asked that the recruitment of Indians in the country's army be stopped immediately.

All Indians currently with the Russian army should be allowed to return, the ministry said.

The ministry has also asked people to be cautious while taking up jobs in Russia.

"The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian Ambassador in New Delhi and with Russian authorities in Moscow respectively, for early release and return of all Indian nationals who are with the Russian Army," read a statement from the ministry.

"India has also demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of our nationals by the Russian Army. Such activities would not be in consonance with our partnership," the statement added.

In March, following reports of several Indians dying in the war after being lured to Russia with promises of jobs, the foreign ministry had said they were trying to get the men back.

"We have an understanding that something like 20-odd people are stuck, we are trying our level best for their early discharge," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.

In April, the ministry said 10 Indian nationals working as support staff with the Russian military have returned.