227 Indians Recruited into Russian Army: 51 Deceased and 139 Discharged, Government Confirms

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has provided a significant update regarding Indian nationals who were recruited into the Russian armed forces. According to the latest data released by the government, a total of 227 Indian citizens were found to have been recruited into the Russian military. Out of these individuals, 139 have been successfully discharged from their service and are currently in the process of returning to India. However, the conflict has taken a heavy toll, as 51 Indian nationals have lost their lives in the ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.

Official Briefing by Foreign Secretary

The information was shared by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing held in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan, while while answering questions related to the involvement of Indians in the Russian military, Misri detailed the current status of these individuals. He emphasized that the Indian government has been tracking the situation closely and is maintaining a record of every citizen involved, while the Foreign Secretary noted that according to the last count, the government had information on 227 Indian nationals who had been recruited into the Russian army.

Status of Discharged and Deceased Citizens

Out of the 227 individuals identified, 139 have been officially discharged from the Russian armed forces. These citizens are now in various stages of the repatriation process to return to their homes in India. On a somber note, Misri confirmed that 51 Indian citizens have lost their lives in this intense conflict. The loss of these lives remains a matter of grave concern for the Indian administration, which has been working to address the issue of Indian recruitment in foreign military conflicts.

Ongoing Diplomatic Negotiations

The Indian government is actively engaged in discussions with the Russian side to ensure the release and return of the remaining Indian nationals. Foreign Secretary Misri stated that the issue of recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian armed forces has been a subject of discussion between India and Russia on several occasions and at various levels of government. The primary objective of these diplomatic efforts is to ensure that all remaining cases are resolved as quickly as possible so that these citizens can be reunited with their families.

Role of the Indian Embassy in Moscow

The Indian Embassy located in Moscow is playing a crucial role in monitoring the situation on the ground. Misri mentioned that the embassy is regularly keeping track of the developments and is working to ensure the release of those who are still serving or are caught in the system. The embassy's active involvement is part of the broader strategy to prioritize the safety and repatriation of Indian nationals, while the Foreign Secretary reiterated that this issue remains a top priority in the ongoing bilateral discussions between India and Moscow.

Context of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for the past 4 years, with tensions escalating Notably since 2022. This prolonged struggle has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides, while the involvement of Indian citizens in the Russian military has been a point of concern for the Indian government, leading to repeated demands for their discharge and safe return. India has consistently raised this issue with the Russian authorities, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution for its citizens caught in the conflict zone.