NEW DELHI, Jan 17: On Friday, India reported that 12 Indian nationals have lost their lives while serving in the Russian military, with an additional 16 listed as missing by Russia.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated that 126 Indians were serving in the Russian military, and 96 of these individuals have been discharged to date.
“Twelve Indian nationals have perished in the (Russia-Ukraine) conflict while serving in the Russian Army,” Jaiswal responded to a media inquiry during his weekly briefing.
“From the 126 identified cases of Indians in the Russian armed forces, 96 have already returned home after being discharged,” he added.
Among the remaining 18 Indian nationals still with the Russian armed forces, the status of 16 individuals is currently unknown, he mentioned.
“These individuals have been classified as missing by the Russian side,” Jaiswal said.
The MEA is currently in contact with the families of the 16 Indians identified as missing by Russian authorities.
“We are actively working with the Russian authorities to determine the whereabouts of the missing Indian nationals and to secure the prompt release and repatriation of those who remain,” he stated.
This week, the MEA confirmed the death of an Indian from Kerala.
The news of Binil TB’s death, a resident of Thrissur, was initially disclosed by a relative on Monday.
Jaiswal characterized Binil’s passing as “unfortunate”.
He noted that the Indian embassy in Moscow is coordinating with Russian officials to arrange for the return of his body, mentioning that another Kerala resident who was injured is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.
“The embassy is in contact with him and Russian authorities regarding his recovery, and we remain hopeful that he will return following his treatment,” Jaiswal said.
Prior to Binil’s death, officials had verified the deaths of nine Indians, marking him as the 10th victim.
In light of Binil’s passing, India has urged Russia to facilitate the release of all Indians engaged by its military.
During a meeting in Moscow last July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns about the prompt discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Indian officials reported in October of last year that 85 Indian nationals had been discharged from the Russian military, with efforts ongoing to secure the release of 20 more.
In August of last year, the Russian embassy stated that Moscow and New Delhi were collaborating closely for the swift “identification and discharge” of Indian nationals who voluntarily enlisted in military service and now wish to return home.
Since April of last year, the Russian Ministry of Defence has ceased recruitment of citizens from several foreign countries, including India, into military service, it was noted. (Agencies)
