At least 16 Indian nationals deployed by the Russian Army to fight in Ukraine are missing, while 12 have been killed so far, the Ministry of External Affairs informed on Friday.
This development came after the death of an Indian national recruited by the Russian military, while another sustained injuries during Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Following this, India strongly raised the matter with Moscow and reiterated its demand for the early discharge of all Indians from the Russian Army.
“As of today, there have been 126 cases of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army. Of these 126 cases, 96 people have returned to India and have been discharged from the Russian Armed Forces. 18 Indian nationals in the Russian Army remain, and out of them, the whereabouts of 16 individuals are not known,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a briefing on Friday.
Jaiswal said Russia has categorized the 16 Indian nationals as “missing”, adding that India is seeking early release and repatriation of those who remain. At least 12 Indian nationals have been killed fighting for the Russian Army in Ukraine.
