Separately, Ukraine has accused Russia of forcibly conscripting Ukrainian citizens in occupied territories, claiming that over 46,000 Ukrainians have been drafted since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed Parliament on Wednesday that 202 Indian nationals were recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022 to fight in the war against Ukraine.
In a written reply submitted to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, the ministry said that 26 Indian citizens have been killed, while seven are reported missing by Russian authorities. The government has so far secured the early discharge of 119 individuals, while 50 Indians remain enlisted in the Russian military.
“The Government of India remains continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces,” the MEA said.
The ministry also confirmed that the bodies of 10 deceased Indian nationals have been repatriated, while two others were cremated in Russia. To assist in identifying remains, DNA samples from family members of 18 individuals reported dead or missing have been shared with Russian authorities.
The disclosure comes amid growing evidence that Russia has been recruiting foreign nationals to bolster its forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Russia had mobilized more than 18,000 foreign fighters from 128 countries as of October.
Moscow has allegedly relied on financial incentives, misleading employment offers, and promises of Russian citizenship to attract foreign recruits.
Ukraine’s military intelligence has previously stated that North Koreans form the largest group of foreign nationals fighting for Russia, followed by recruits from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Cuba.
Separately, Ukraine has accused Russia of forcibly conscripting Ukrainian citizens in occupied territories, claiming that over 46,000 Ukrainians have been drafted since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
