Concerns Rise as 202 Indians Join Russian Military Amid Ongoing Conflict

Recruitment of Indian Nationals in Russian Forces

New Delhi, Dec 18: Since 2022, a total of 202 Indian citizens have been enlisted in the Russian military, with 26 reported deaths and seven individuals currently unaccounted for, as revealed by the government in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

This information was provided in response to inquiries from Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale and Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala regarding the repatriation of Indians who may have been coerced or unlawfully recruited to participate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, stated that India's diplomatic initiatives have successfully facilitated the early release of 119 Indian nationals, while 50 others are still pending discharge from the Russian military.

To assist in identifying some of the deceased Indian nationals, DNA samples from the families of 18 individuals reported dead or missing have been submitted to Russian authorities, Singh noted.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively engaged with Russian officials to ensure the safety and prompt return of these individuals.

The government confirmed that 26 Indians have died in the conflict, with seven still missing, based on information from the Russian side.

Among the deceased, the remains of 10 Indian nationals have been returned to India, while two were cremated in Russia with the support of the Indian Mission.

The MoS mentioned, "The Ministry has facilitated the repatriation of the remains of 10 deceased Indian nationals to India, and assisted in the local cremation of two others."

The Indian Embassy in Russia has been instrumental in providing discharged nationals with necessary travel documents, air tickets, and logistical support for their return.

Additionally, it has worked closely with families in India throughout the evacuation process and the repatriation of remains, ensuring that decisions regarding cremation or transportation were made with family consent.

The government has addressed this issue at various diplomatic levels, including discussions between leaders, ministers, and senior officials from both nations, and assured Parliament that efforts will persist until all remaining Indians are safely returned.