Shocking Revelations: Over 200 Indians Enlisted in Russian Military Amid Ukraine Conflict

Concerns Over Indian Nationals in Russian Forces

New Delhi: Since 2022, a total of 202 Indian citizens have been enlisted in the Russian military, with 26 confirmed deaths and seven individuals reported missing, as disclosed by the government in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

This information was revealed following 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 ongoing 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.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively engaging 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 unaccounted for, based on information provided by Russian authorities.

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 Ministry has assisted in the repatriation of the remains of 10 deceased Indian nationals and facilitated the local cremation of two others," the Minister of State noted.

"DNA samples from family members of 18 individuals reported dead or missing have been submitted to Russian authorities to aid in identifying some of the deceased Indian nationals," he added.

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, the embassy has worked closely with families in India throughout the evacuation process, ensuring that decisions regarding cremation or transportation were made with consent.

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