SRINAGAR: At least 202 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 reported dead, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Rajya Sabha. The ministry added that at least two Indians have been cremated in Russia.
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in a written reply that “concerted efforts by the Government have resulted in the early discharge of 119 individuals; 26 are reported to have lost their lives and seven are reported missing by the Russian side. Efforts are ongoing for the early discharge of 50 individuals.”
Singh emphasised that the Union government remains in continuous engagement with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, well-being, and early release of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces. He noted that the issue is being discussed at multiple levels, including interactions between leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The Minister’s statement came in response to questions from Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale and Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala regarding the number of Indians identified as illegally employed or forced to work in the Russian military, and the corresponding count of fatalities and missing personnel since 2022.
