New Delhi: In a significant development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that at least 16 Indian nationals, who were deployed by the Russian Army to fight in Ukraine, are missing. Additionally, 12 Indian nationals have been reported killed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The statement came after the death of another Indian national recruited by the Russian military, with one more sustaining injuries. The Indian government has strongly raised the matter with Moscow, emphasizing the urgent need for the discharge and repatriation of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian Armed Forces.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, “As of today, there have been 126 cases of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army. Of these, 96 have returned to India and been discharged from the Russian Armed Forces. Currently, 18 Indian nationals remain, and the whereabouts of 16 of them are unknown.”
Jaiswal added that Russia has categorized these 16 individuals as “missing.” India has reiterated its request for the immediate release and repatriation of the remaining nationals.
This development has raised serious concerns over the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals involved in the conflict, with the government urging Russia to expedite their return.
