NEW DELHI

Two Indian nationals recruited by the Russian Army were killed in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry.

Without revealing the details of the deceased, the ministry said the Indian Embassy in Moscow has pressed the Russian authorities for early repatriation of their remains.

India’s premier investigating and prosecuting agency-- the Central Bureau of Investigation-- last month had announced the arrest of four people on charges of trafficking Indian nationals for combat roles in the Russian Army.

“India has strongly taken up the matter with the Russian authorities in New Delhi and Moscow for early release and return of all Indian nationals who are with the Russian Army,” the Foreign Ministry said late Tuesday.

In March, the Central Bureau of Investigation had said that it had busted a major human trafficking network operating throughout the country, targeting gullible youths with the promise of lucrative jobs overseas.

Later, the Indian Foreign Ministry issued a statement stating that it is actively pursuing the matter with the Russian government at various levels.

The ministry has said many Indian nationals have returned to India as well.