In a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed on Friday that 12 Indian nationals who had joined the Russian Army in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have lost their lives, while 16 others are currently missing. Out of the 126 Indians reported to be serving in the Russian military, 96 have returned to India, and 18 remain in Russia.

Jaiswal stated, “There have been 126 cases of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army. Of these, 96 people have returned to India and have been discharged from the Russian armed forces.”

The MEA described the recent death of 32-year-old Binil Babu from Kerala, who died while fighting on the frontlines for the Russian Army, as a tragic incident. “Our embassy is in touch with Russian authorities to ensure his mortal remains are repatriated to India at the earliest,” the spokesperson added.

Demand for Repatriation and Assistance

The Indian government reiterated its commitment to seeking the release and repatriation of the remaining Indian nationals in Russia. Earlier this week, the MEA expressed concern over the deaths and injuries sustained by Indians recruited to fight in the Russian Army.

A statement from the MEA emphasized, “We have learned of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.”

The MEA also confirmed that its embassy in Moscow is working closely with Russian authorities to expedite the transportation of Binil Babu’s mortal remains to his family in India.