 India urges Russia to release its citizens serving in support jobs in army. India has requested the early release of some of its citizens working with the Russian army in support jobs according to the Ministry of External Affairs of India. The statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs came after a local newspaper reported that last year about 100 Indians were employed under contracts for a term of no less than a year. Citizens from many countries sought employment in the Russian army, including from the neighbouring Nepal. We are aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army, the statement said. Diplomats also indicated that the Indian Embassy regularly discussed this issue with the relevant Russian authorities for their early release. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict, diplomats added. As previously reported, Russian forces are experiencing a shortage of military personnel to fill combat losses so they are trying to recruit foreign volunteers for service. In particular, the Russian state has been recruiting citizens of Cuba for the war in Ukraine. The latter were promised high salaries, bonuses and vacations. Also in early January, Nepal stopped issuing permits to its citizens to work in Russia and Ukraine. At least 10 Nepalese soldiers were killed while serving in the Russian army.