The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed on Friday, January 17, 2024, that 126 Indians have joined the Russian army to fight in Ukraine, marking a rise in numbers despite efforts to deter such enlistments.
Out of the reported cases, 96 individuals have returned to India, while 12 have lost their lives in the conflict, including a man from Kerala who died last week in a drone attack. One individual is currently hospitalized in Moscow, and 16 others are considered “missing,” with their whereabouts unconfirmed.
“The Russian side has categorized them as missing,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “We are actively working with Russian authorities to locate the missing nationals and ensure the early release and repatriation of those remaining,” he added.
Recent Casualties and Efforts
The MEA is coordinating with Russian authorities to bring back the mortal remains of Binil Babu, a 32-year-old from Kerala’s Thrissur district who succumbed to injuries sustained in a drone attack. Babu had expressed a desire to return to India before his death. His cousin, Jain Kurian, 27, is being treated for injuries in Moscow and is expected to return to India after his recovery.
Government figures suggest an uptick in casualties, with the 12 recorded deaths marking an increase from previous reports. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier informed Parliament that eight Indians were killed as of August 2023 out of 91 known recruits, and efforts were ongoing to secure the discharge and return of others.
Recruitment Concerns and Family Distress
Families of the missing individuals, hailing from states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Jammu & Kashmir, have expressed deep concern. Many recruits were reportedly enticed with promises of high salaries and Russian citizenship, but later faced restrictions on leaving the conflict zone.
The government is in contact with affected families and has compiled data from those who reached out to the MEA or the Indian Embassy in Moscow. However, it remains uncertain how many Indians might still be in the conflict zone without seeking repatriation.
This troubling trend was first reported by The Hindu news paper in February 2024, and the current figure of 126 recruits is believed to represent the total known cases.
India continues to engage with Russian officials to address the issue, which has also been raised at the highest levels during meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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