Over 200 Indian nationals recruited to fight in Ukraine War — as foreign ministry tries to secure their freedom
Indian Government Working to Pull Nation‑Borne Soldiers Out of Russia’s War
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that more than 200 Indian citizens have been recruited to serve in Russia’s military during the war in Ukraine. The ministry confirmed that it has already secured the early release of 119 of those soldiers.
According to the ministry’s statement, 26 Indians have been confirmed dead in combat, while 7 remain missing, as reported by the Russian authorities. The government is still trying to dislodge an additional 50 Indians from the Russian forces and to recover the remains of 10 soldiers who were killed in battle.
“We are continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well‑being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces,” the ministry said. It added that the issue is being discussed at all levels, from leaders to ministers and officials on both sides.
The Indian ministry has also sent DNA samples of 18 Indians who are believed to be either dead or missing to Russian authorities, in hopes of identifying the bodies and bringing closure to the families back home.
It is not yet clear how or when New Delhi became aware that its citizens had been conscripted by the Russian government, or which tactics Moscow used to enlist them. Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and has since expanded its recruitment to soldiers from about 128 different countries.
Russia claims to have captured roughly 12 % of Ukraine, holding nearly 20 % of the country—including Crimea and other territories it seized early in 2022. According to Russia “Matters,” a series run by the Harvard Kennedy School, the war has already claimed more than one million lives worldwide; Russia’s tally stands at over 790 000 dead or wounded, with about 85 000 missing.
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