Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on Friday that 16 Indian nationals who joined the Russian Army have been categorised as “missing” the by Russian authorities. This revelation comes after India identified 126 Indian nationals who had joined the Russian Army, with 96 already discharged and two still serving.
The MEA spokesperson emphasised that India has sought the early discharge of its remaining nationals from Russia. This demand comes amid concerns over the safety of Indian nationals fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Indian national Binil Babu, 32, was killed in action earlier this week. Over 10 Indians have lost their lives in the conflict, with another Indian, Jain TK, 27, injured in the same attack that claimed Binil Babu’s life. Both Binil Babu and Jain TK hail from Kerala’s Kuttanellur.
India has “strongly” taken up the case with Russia, reiterating its demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in Russia.
Jaiswal added that Russia has categorized the 16 Indian nationals as “missing,” and India is seeking their early release and repatriation. At least 12 Indian nationals have been killed while fighting for the Russian Army in Ukraine.
The Ministry also extended its condolences for the death of Kerala man Binil Babu, who was killed during the Ukraine conflict, and stated that the Indian embassy is in touch with Russian authorities for the repatriation of his mortal remains. Another Indian national, Jain T.K., is receiving treatment in Moscow and is expected to return to India once his treatment is completed.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday confirmed that the embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families of the two Indians and is extending all possible assistance. “We have learned of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army,” Jaiswal said.
