MUMBAI – One Indian national has been killed, and another is receiving medical treatment after being injured while serving in the Russian army, the Indian foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday. Both individuals, hailing from the southern state of Kerala, were reportedly recruited by the Russian military to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In response to the incident, the Indian government has expressed strong concerns, reaching out to Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has called for the swift repatriation of the deceased’s remains to India and requested that the injured individual be sent back home for treatment.
“We are working with the Russian authorities for the early transportation of the mortal remains to India,” the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement. “We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person.”
The incident highlights a growing concern about the involvement of Indian nationals in the Russian military. In May 2023, Indian police arrested four individuals linked to a human trafficking network accused of luring young men to Russia under the false pretext of offering lucrative jobs or university placements, only to forcibly enlist them in the war against Ukraine.
Following the deaths of Indian nationals in Russia’s military last year, the Indian government took steps to halt the recruitment of Indian citizens by the Russian armed forces. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had earlier demanded a verified cessation of such recruitments, urging Indians to exercise caution when seeking employment opportunities in Russia.
In September 2024, India’s foreign ministry reported that around 45 Indian nationals had been successfully discharged from the Russian military, with efforts continuing to secure the release of an additional 50 individuals. The deaths and injuries of Indian nationals are likely to prompt further scrutiny and diplomatic discussions between India and Russia regarding the safety and well-being of foreign nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces.