Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Astana when he voiced concerns over Indian nationals involved in the war zone in Ukraine and pressed for their safe and expeditious return.

"Good to meet Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Astana today. Wide ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership and contemporary issues. Noted the progress in many areas since our last meeting in December 2023," he posted on X after meeting Lavrov.

"Raised our strong concern on Indian nationals who are currently in the war zone. Pressed for their safe and expeditious return.Also discussed the global strategic landscape and exchanged assessments and views," he said.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs said two Indian nationals who had been recruited by the Russian Army were killed during the conflict with Ukraine.

"The Ministry of External Afffairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian Ambassador in New Delhi and with Russian authorities in Moscow respectively, for early release and return of all Indian nationals who are with the Russian Army," read the statement issued by the MEA.

Jaishankar is currently visiting Kazakhstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

The event will be held on July 4.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar, earlier in the day, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Pushkin Park in Astana.