India confirmed that 12 of its citizens died while serving with the Russian armed forces, and authorities listed another 16 as missing, marking a higher toll than Indian officials had previously reported. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provided these figures on Friday, shedding light on the ongoing casualties and concerns surrounding Indian nationals enlisted in the Russian military.
The latest casualty figures come as a result of India’s ongoing engagement with Russian authorities. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Indian officials have identified 126 Indian nationals who were serving in the Russian military. Of these, 96 have already returned after being discharged by Russian authorities. However, the fate of the remaining 30 is uncertain, with 16 currently categorized as missing and the Russian side unable to confirm their whereabouts.
The figure of 12 confirmed deaths exceeds earlier reports, with Indian officials only acknowledging nine fatalities up until last year. In a recent case, authorities confirmed that Binil Babu, a resident of Kerala, was killed while serving in the Russian Army. This marks the latest casualty in the ongoing conflict, which has seen Indians serve in various roles within the Russian military.
The MEA has remained in contact with the Russian authorities, seeking to confirm the whereabouts of the missing individuals and arrange for their repatriation. Officials have communicated with the families of the missing and those who have died, offering support and assistance during this difficult time. The Indian Embassy in Moscow has actively facilitated returning bodies and ensuring the well-being of those injured in the conflict. The embassy hopes that the individual, also from Kerala, who was injured during the fighting and is receiving treatment in a Moscow hospital, will fully recover and eventually return to India.
The Indian government has also reiterated its stance that Russia should release all Indian nationals enlisted in its military, including those in non-combat roles, such as cooks and support staff. This demand has been ongoing for some time, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raising the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during meetings last year.
Concerns about misleading recruitment practices have further complicated the situation surrounding Indian nationals serving in Russia’s military. Unscrupulous agents reportedly deceived many Indians by promising jobs within the Russian military. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken action against 19 individuals and entities involved in the recruitment process, filing criminal charges and making several arrests.
Despite Russian authorities claim that they halted the recruitment of Indian nationals into the armed forces in April 2024, the deaths and missing persons continue to raise questions.The Indian government remains engaged with Russian authorities in an effort to secure the release and safe return of all Indian nationals involved.
The MEA’s efforts to bring attention to the issue reflect growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Indian citizens involved in foreign military service. As investigations continue, the Indian government remains committed to assisting the affected families and ensuring that it serves justice.
