India has officially confirmed that 202 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 losing their lives and seven still missing amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The disclosure, made in the Rajya Sabha, has brought renewed attention to the plight of Indians allegedly coerced or misled into joining the war.
In response to inquiries from MPs Saket Gokhale and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the administration described the scope of the problem and the diplomatic measures being taken to ensure the safe return of impacted citizens.
50 Indians Are Still Trapped in the Conflict Zone Despite 119 Indians Being Released
119 Indians have already been freed from the Russian Army as a result of persistent diplomatic efforts with Moscow, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament. However, Indian authorities are still pushing for the early release of 50 Indian nationals who are currently awaiting discharge.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) remains in regular contact with Russian officials to ensure the safety, well-being, and repatriation of those still involved in the conflict.
Confirmed Deaths and Identification Challenges
According to information provided by Russian authorities, 26 Indian nationals have died in the war. Of these:
10 bodies have been repatriated to India
Two were cremated in Russia, in line with the families’ wishes
18 cases required DNA verification, with family samples shared to help establish identities
The Indian government has stressed that all decisions regarding the handling of remains were made solely with family consent.
Embassy Support and Family Assistance
The Indian Embassy in Russia has played a crucial role in assisting released nationals by arranging:
Emergency travel documents
Flight tickets
Logistical support for safe return
The embassy has also maintained close communication with families back home, particularly in cases involving deaths or missing persons, helping them navigate difficult decisions during moments of grief.
Matter Raised at Highest Diplomatic Levels
The Centre confirmed that the issue has been taken up at multiple diplomatic levels, including discussions between top leaders, ministers, and senior officials from India and Russia. The government reiterated its commitment to continue efforts until every remaining Indian national is safely brought home.
Government’s Assurance
Reassuring Parliament and the public, the Centre stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully committed to supporting affected citizens and their families during this humanitarian crisis.