New Delhi, April 8 -- Thirty-two Indian nationals have died so far while serving with the Russian military on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine, and efforts are underway to secure the release of 35 more, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The recruitment of Indians in Russia's armed forces continues to be one of the few irritants in relations between New Delhi and Moscow. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Indian citizens continue to be lured by agents into serving with the Russian military on a number of pretexts, including lucrative salaries and bonuses and promises of citizenship. Since then, the people said, the figure for the dead has risen to 32, while the number of Indians reported missing has increased to 12. According to an official tally, there are reports of 214 Indians being recruited into the Russian military, and efforts by authorities in New Delhi and the embassy in Moscow have resulted in the discharge and release of 135 of them. The Indian side is currently pursuing 35 "active cases" of Indians serving in the Russian military to secure their release, the people said. Another issue of concern to the Indian side is reports of some Indians recruited as workers in diverse sectors in Russia, being lured into jobs in the Russian military by agents, the people said. htc...