Indian Government Reports 26 Nationals Killed, 7 Missing in Russian Military Recruitment
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that since 2022, 202 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces. Of these, 26 individuals have lost their lives, while seven remain missing.
During the Winter Session of Parliament, the MEA addressed a query by stating that the Indian government has implemented various measures to support the families of the deceased. The Ministry has facilitated the cremation of two Indian nationals in Russia and has arranged for the repatriation of the remains of 10 others back to India.
The MEA also noted that, following diplomatic efforts, 119 Indian nationals have been released early from their service in the Russian military. Ongoing efforts are being made to secure the release of an additional 50 Indians who continue to serve in the Russian armed forces.
Reports suggest that many of the recruited individuals were enticed by agents with promises of jobs or education opportunities. Several had traveled to Russia on student or tourist visas before being coerced into signing military contracts.
Among these cases is that of 22-year-old Ajay Godara from Rajasthan, who traveled to Russia on a student visa last year and subsequently lost his life after being deployed in a conflict zone.
The Ministry emphasized that the Indian government has firmly raised the issue with Russian authorities, urging for the safe return of Indian nationals and accountability in cases where individuals were misled into recruitment.
The MEA also cautioned Indian citizens against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies and reiterated its advisory against traveling to conflict zones.
