India has once again called for the immediate release of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military following the death of another citizen in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. The recent death brings the total number of Indian casualties to ten.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the passing of an Indian national from Kerala, whose identity has been revealed as Binil Babu, aged 31, from Thrissur district. Babu was reportedly killed while fighting in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Another individual, also from Kerala, has sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment in Moscow.
India has consistently raised concerns regarding the recruitment of Indians into Russia’s military ranks, particularly those recruited as support staff, including cooks and helpers. These individuals have been exposed to the dangers of the ongoing conflict. India has reiterated its demand for the early discharge and repatriation of these citizens.
In response to this latest incident, India has approached Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian embassy in New Delhi, urging for the release of remaining Indian nationals who are serving in the Russian military. The Ministry of External Affairs has also stated that it is working with Russian authorities to arrange the transportation of the deceased’s body to India and facilitate the repatriation of the injured.
The issue has been a key concern for the Indian government, which has raised it multiple times with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2024, Russia reportedly halted the recruitment of Indian nationals into its military, but some contracts are still pending annulment.
India has emphasized that many of the individuals recruited were reportedly misled by agents, prompting a criminal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the recruitment process.
