The update comes shortly after high-level India–Russia engagements, underlining that humanitarian concerns involving Indian citizens remain a priority alongside broader strategic relations
Indian government has provided a comprehensive update to Parliament on the status of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces during the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict. Responding to questions raised in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) outlined the scale of recruitment, casualties reported so far, and the diplomatic steps being taken to bring affected citizens home.
According to the government, a total of 202 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022. Of these, 26 individuals have lost their lives, while seven are currently reported missing, based on information shared by Russian authorities. The disclosure came in response to queries from opposition members who sought clarity on allegations that some Indians had been misled or coerced into joining the conflict and on what steps were being taken to secure their return.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the House that sustained diplomatic engagement has already yielded results. In recent months, 119 Indian nationals have been discharged early from service in the Russian Army following interventions by Indian authorities. The government expects a further 50 individuals to be released in the near future, as they are currently awaiting discharge.
- The government reiterated that the issue has been raised at multiple diplomatic levels, including discussions between senior leaders and officials of both countries
- It assured Parliament that efforts would continue until all remaining Indian nationals are discharged and safely returned
The MEA emphasized that it remains in constant touch with Russian officials to safeguard the welfare of Indian citizens still involved and to expedite their release. The Indian Embassy in Russia has been playing a central role by assisting discharged individuals with travel documentation, air tickets, and other logistical arrangements required for their return to India.
On the matter of fatalities, the government stated that the mortal remains of 10 deceased Indian nationals have been brought back to India. In two cases, cremation was carried out locally in Russia with the support of the Indian Mission and in consultation with families. Identification of some deceased individuals has proven challenging due to the circumstances of the conflict. To address this, DNA samples from the families of 18 Indians reported dead or missing have been shared with Russian authorities to help establish identities.
