At least 202 Indian nationals are reported to have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 confirmed dead and two cremated in Russia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told the Rajya Sabha.
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh said 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 added that the Union government is in continuous contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, well-being, and early release of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian military. He noted that the matter is being discussed at multiple levels, including interactions between leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The statement came in response to questions from Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale and Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala about the number of Indians allegedly recruited or forced to work in the Russian military and the fatalities and missing cases recorded since 2022.
