India has continued to press Russia for the release and return of Indian nationals who remain associated with the Russian armed forces, with the issue being pursued through multiple diplomatic channels, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Speaking during the MEA's regular media briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the matter remains a priority for New Delhi and continues to be raised with the Russian side at various levels. His remarks came in the context of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta.

Jaiswal noted that Jaishankar held several bilateral engagements during the gathering, including discussions with Lavrov. While outlining the areas covered during that interaction, he said the ministers focussed on major international developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in Europe and the evolving security situation in West Asia.

Addressing questions about Indian nationals still serving with the Russian armed forces, Jaiswal reiterated India's position, stating: "As far as the release of Indian nationals who still remain with the Russian side is concerned, as I've informed you earlier, this is an issue which we continue to take up with the Russian side at various levels."

The issue has remained under close scrutiny following reports that Indian citizens had been recruited into military service linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, often through overseas employment networks and recruitment intermediaries. The Indian government has consistently sought their discharge and repatriation through diplomatic engagement with Moscow.

According to figures previously provided by the MEA, around 259 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian army. Of these, 139 have been discharged and brought back to India through government intervention, while discussions have continued regarding the return of another 69 individuals.

The ministry also clarified that it does not possess data concerning individuals who may have subsequently acquired Russian citizenship, as official records are maintained only for Indian citizens.

Jaishankar's meeting with Lavrov formed part of a broader diplomatic exchange at the G20 gathering, where global conflicts, economic security and geopolitical tensions dominated discussions. Sharing details of the meeting on social media, the External Affairs Minister stated: "Discussed the Ukraine conflict, Gulf situation and multilateral issues with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia."

The talks took place against the backdrop of the continuing Russia-Ukraine war and heightened instability across West Asia, developments that have raised international concerns over energy security, maritime trade routes and regional stability.

In addition to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf region, the ministers discussed wider multilateral issues and global challenges. These included energy supplies, food security, supply-chain resilience and the protection of strategically important maritime corridors, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

India has continued to maintain regular high-level engagement with Russia despite differences between Moscow and Western nations over the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving international disputes rather than relying solely on military measures.

During the G20 discussions, Jaishankar again underlined the importance of diplomatic engagement, emphasising that military solutions alone cannot address complex global challenges and that sustained diplomatic efforts remain essential.

The meeting occurred amid continuing divisions within the G20 over the Ukraine war and broader international security issues.

The two-day gathering, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reportedly saw disagreements regarding Russia's participation. Several European representatives were said to have objected to appearing alongside Lavrov in the customary group photograph, prompting the host nation to cancel the arrangement.

The Atlanta meeting ultimately concluded without a joint communique after participating countries failed to reach consensus on several contentious issues. The United States subsequently opted to issue a chairman's statement summarising the discussions instead.

The developments underscore India's dual-track approach of safeguarding its citizens abroad while maintaining active diplomatic engagement on major international security and geopolitical challenges.

ANI