India, Nov. 7 -- India on Friday acknowledged that the number of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army has risen to 44 due to recruitment in recent months, and said it has taken up the matter with Russian authorities to end the practice.

The Indian side is in touch with Russian authorities to ensure the speedy release of Indian nationals currently serving with the Russian military, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a weekly media briefing.

Indian officials had earlier said there were 27 Indians serving in the Russian Army, though Jaiswal pointed to more recruitments in recent months. The matter has acquired urgency as at least 12 Indians have been killed while fighting on the frontlines of Russia's confl...