The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that 202 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022, of whom 26 have been killed and seven are currently missing.
Responding to a query during the Winter Session of Parliament, the MEA said that the Indian government has taken several steps to assist the families of the deceased. The Ministry has facilitated the cremation of two Indian nationals in Russia and ensured the repatriation of mortal remains of 10 others to India.
The MEA further stated that 119 Indian nationals have been discharged early from Russian military service following diplomatic intervention, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of another 50 Indians who are still serving with the Russian armed forces.
Many of those recruited were reportedly lured by agents with promises of employment or education, and several had travelled to Russia on student or tourist visas before being coerced into signing military contracts.
One such case is that of Ajay Godara (22) from Rajasthan, who had travelled to Russia last year on a student visa and later lost his life after being deployed in the conflict zone.
The Ministry reiterated that the Government of India has strongly taken up the matter with Russian authorities, seeking the safe return of Indian nationals and accountability for those who were recruited under misleading circumstances.
The MEA also warned Indian citizens against falling prey to fraudulent recruitment agencies and reiterated its advisory against travel to conflict zones.
