12 Indians Killed Fighting for Russia in Ukraine War; 16 Missing, Confirms MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have lost their lives while fighting for Russia in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with 16 others still reported missing. The announcement comes as the conflict intensifies, drawing in foreign nationals to fight alongside Russian forces.
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Indian Nationals in Russian Military
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, a total of 126 Indians have served in the Russian Armed Forces during the conflict. Out of these, 96 have returned to India after being discharged, while 18 remain in Russia’s service, with the whereabouts of 16 individuals classified as “missing” by Russian authorities.
“The Russian side has categorized them as missing, and we are working towards their early release and repatriation,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing. He also assured that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to facilitate the return of its citizens.
Confirmed Casualties and Ongoing Efforts
Among the casualties is Kerala-native Binil Babu, who was reportedly killed during the conflict. The Indian embassy in Moscow is coordinating with Russian authorities to arrange for the repatriation of his remains. Meanwhile, another Indian national, Jain TK, is undergoing medical treatment in Moscow and is expected to return to India upon recovery.
“The death of Binil Babu is extremely unfortunate. We have expressed our condolences to his family and are ensuring that his mortal remains are repatriated as soon as possible. Jain TK is under treatment, and we are in constant touch regarding his recovery,” Jaiswal added.
Concerns Over Indian Involvement
The growing number of Indian nationals involved in foreign conflicts has raised concerns. The Indian government has reiterated its stance, urging the early return of all citizens still enlisted in the Russian military.
The MEA emphasized that all necessary assistance is being extended to the families of those affected, and the Indian embassy in Moscow is maintaining regular communication with them.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian government continues to monitor developments and work towards ensuring the safety and return of its citizens from the conflict zone.
