Indian Nationals in Russian Armed Forces: Concerns and Demands for Discharge

Eight Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces have died, with 12 others already discharged. The Indian government is strongly advocating for the early release of the remaining 63 Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed this urgent matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pressing for swift action.

Eight Indian nationals working in the Russian armed forces have died, and the government has confirmed that an additional 12 have already left the military, as disclosed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Responding to a query, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed that another 63 Indians are seeking early discharge.

'Eight deaths have been reported where the citizenship of the deceased has been verified as Indian,' Singh noted.

The Indian government has received requests for the facilitation of early discharge for some nationals allegedly recruited into the Russian armed forces under unclear circumstances.

'The exact number of such Indian nationals is not known,' Singh added.

'Currently available information indicates that 12 Indian nationals have left the Russian armed forces while another 63 are seeking early discharge,' Singh further stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vehemently raised the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army during his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last month.

In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Singh said financial support has been provided for the repatriation of the mortal remains of four Indian nationals and remains available for other cases when required.

'Additionally, the Russian government has informed that compensation will be given to the families of deceased individuals according to their contracts,' he stated.

The minister emphasized that the early discharge, safety, and wellbeing of the Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces have been strongly pursued with Russian authorities at various levels.

'During his recent visit to Russia in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly reiterated the urgent need for the early release of all Indian nationals from the Russian armed forces,' Singh observed.

In June, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that the issue of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army remains a matter of 'utmost concern' and demanded action from Moscow.

On June 11, India reported that two Indian nationals, recruited by the Russian Army, had recently been killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Following these deaths, the MEA demanded a 'verified stop' to further recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army.

In a strongly-worded statement, it insisted that such recruitment activities were not consistent with the partnership between India and Russia.

After Prime Minister Modi's visit, Deputy Chief of the Russian mission in Delhi, Roman Babushkin, expressed hope for a swift resolution to the issue of returning Indian recruits in the Russian Army.

Babushkin asserted that the recruitment was purely a commercial matter and emphasized that the Indians were never intended to be part of the Russian Army, their numbers being insignificant in the conflict.

'We are on the same side as the Indian government on this issue... We hope that the matter will be resolved soon,' Babushkin stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)