Key Highlights:
- Casualties and Missing Persons: 12 Indian nationals killed, 16 missing while serving in the Russian Army in Ukraine.
- Recruitment Details: 126 Indians recruited; 96 have returned; 18 remain in service, with families desperate for updates.
- India’s Strong Stand: MEA demands Russia halt recruitment of Indians and expedite the discharge of those serving.
- Tragic Stories: Indian nationals lured with job promises, passports confiscated, and forced into the conflict.
India Raises Concern Over Missing Nationals in Russian Army
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed on Friday that 16 Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army in Ukraine have been reported missing, while 12 have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. This troubling update underscores the plight of Indians misled into military service under false pretenses.
The issue gained attention following the death of Binil Babu, a 32-year-old from Kerala, who was recruited into the Russian military. His compatriot, Jain T.K., sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in Moscow. The Indian embassy is working to repatriate Babu’s remains and assist Jain upon recovery.
Recruitment and Casualties: A Closer Look
- Total Recruited: 126 Indian nationals were reportedly recruited by the Russian Army.
- Returned to India: 96 have been discharged and repatriated.
- Remaining in Service: 18 Indians are still serving, including the 16 classified as “missing” by Russian authorities.
- Casualties: 12 Indians have been confirmed dead during the conflict.
MEA’s Response and Long-Standing Demands
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India’s deep concern over the missing nationals and reiterated the demand for their early discharge and repatriation. The MEA has emphasized that such recruitment is not in alignment with India’s partnership with Russia.
“We have strongly raised this issue with Moscow, including at the highest levels. Prime Minister Modi personally discussed the matter with President Putin in July 2024, securing assurances for the early release of Indian nationals,” Jaiswal stated.
India has also urged Russia to immediately halt any further recruitment of its citizens.
Human Trafficking and Recruitment Scams
Investigations reveal that many of the Indians serving in the Russian Army were victims of human trafficking schemes. Agents reportedly lured them with promises of high-paying jobs or education opportunities in Russia, only to confiscate their passports and force them into military service.
- In one such case, Binil Babu and Jain T.K., mechanical diploma holders from Kerala, traveled to Russia in April 2024 expecting to work as electricians and plumbers. Instead, they were coerced into joining the Russian Army.
- Indian police arrested four traffickers last year for misleading young men into these dangerous roles.
India’s Diplomatic Efforts
India has consistently pressed Russia to repatriate its citizens and prevent further recruitment. Diplomatic efforts have included:
- Raising the issue during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow in 2024.
- Official demands for a verified halt to Indian recruitment by the Russian Army.
- Continuous engagement with Russian authorities through the Indian embassy in Moscow.
Tragic Losses and Ongoing Uncertainty
The tragic death of Binil Babu highlights the human cost of this issue. Families of the missing individuals are left in anguish, with little clarity on the fate of their loved ones.
As the Ukraine conflict continues, the plight of Indian nationals coerced into Russian military service underscores the urgent need for stronger international safeguards. India’s efforts to secure the release of its citizens and prevent future exploitation reflect its commitment to protecting its diaspora.
The MEA’s ongoing engagement with Moscow will be crucial in ensuring the safe return of the remaining 18 Indians and addressing the systemic issues that led to their recruitment.
