Just three days before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, Russia and Iran are set to finally sign a “comprehensive partnership agreement,” a deal that’s been in the works for months.

Russian President Vladimir Putin began talks with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, at a summit on Friday to sign a new pact, as the two countries brace for the return of US President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2024, it has recruited several thousands of fighters from foreign nations for the war on Ukraine. While there is no accurate assessment, several people from India have also been recruited — often through fraudulent ways.

Russia deceived nearly 100 Indian citizens into fighting against Ukraine and is reluctant to release them despite requests from the Indian authorities, reports The Washington Post. According to the Indian government's statement and conversations with the families of the mercenaries,