NEW DELHI: India confirmed on Friday that the whereabouts of 16 Indian nationals, who had joined the Russian army, are unknown. The Russian government has categorised these individuals as "missing." India had urged Russia earlier this week to release all Indian nationals serving in the Russian military after the death of another Indian citizen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, bringing the death toll to 12.
Providing an update on Indian nationals in the Russian military, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday stated, "The whereabouts of 16 individuals are unknown," and reiterated that the Russian government has classified them as missing. "We are seeking their early release and repatriation," Jaiswal added. As of January 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed 126 reported cases of Indian nationals serving in the Russian army. Of these, 96 have returned to India and been discharged, while 18 remain in the Russian military.
This update comes after reports earlier this week confirming the death of Binil TB, a resident of Thrissur, Kerala, who had been fighting for the Russian army. Another Indian national from Kerala was injured and is currently receiving treatment in Moscow. Binil TB's death was confirmed by his relatives on Monday.
“The death of Binil Babu is extremely unfortunate. We have conveyed our condolences to the family. Our embassy is in touch with the Russian authorities to ensure that his mortal remains are brought back to India as soon as possible. Another person who was injured is receiving treatment in Moscow... Hopefully, he will return to India soon after his treatment is completed,” the MEA spokesperson said. The spokesperspon said that the matter had been strongly raised with Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian embassy in New Delhi.
In July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of the early release of Indian nationals serving in the Russian army during discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.