Jaishankar Holds Talks With Russian Foreign Minister On Sidelines Of UNGA

Last Updated:September 27, 2025, 02:00 IST

Earlier in the day, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has asked Russia to release 27 Indian nationals who have reportedly been recruited into the Russian military.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (S Jaishankar/X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a post on X, the Russian Embassy in India said: “Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and EAM Dr S Jaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York”

Following the meet, Jaishankar in a post on X said: “Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #UNGA80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East.”

Earlier in the day, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has asked Russia to release 27 Indian nationals who have reportedly been recruited into the Russian military.

“As per our information, 27 Indian nationals are presently serving in the Russian army. We are also in close touch with their family members in the matter,” he said.

He also issued a warning to Indians considering joining the Russian forces. “We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to serve in the Russian army as they are fraught with danger and risk to life,” he added.

Jaiswal stressed that India is actively engaging with Russian authorities to secure their release.

“We have strongly raised this matter with Russian authorities in Moscow and with the Russian embassy in New Delhi, and asked for them to be freed as soon as possible,” he said.

There have been reports that some Indians on student or business visas were compelled to join Russian military units, including those deployed on the frontlines in Ukraine.

Official data shows that over 150 Indians have been recruited by the Russian military so far. Among them, 12 have died while fighting, 96 have been discharged, and 16 are still missing.

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