16 Indians Fighting In Russian Army ‘Missing’, 12 Killed So Far In Ukraine War: MEA

Last Updated:January 17, 2025, 16:52 IST

India Demands Early Discharge of Nationals from Russian Army After Kerala Man’s Death in ukraine

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (Photo: YouTube/MEA)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed on Friday that 16 Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army are currently missing, while 12 others have lost their lives in Ukraine.This proclamation comes in the wake of the tragic death of Binil Babu, a Kerala native recruited by Russian forces, and the injury of another Indian national amidst the ongoing conflict.

India has intensified its efforts to bring its citizens back from the Russian military, urging Moscow to expedite their discharge. “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. However, 18 individuals remain in the Russian Armed Forces, with 16 of them currently unaccounted for,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a briefing.

Jaiswal confirmed that Russia has classified the 16 missing Indians as “missing in action.” He reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring their safe return. The MEA also expressed condolences over Binil Babu’s death and shared that the Indian embassy is actively coordinating with Russian authorities to address the situation.

Key Facts About Indian Nationals in the Russian Army

Over the past year, reports have surfaced about Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian military, frequently enough under unclear circumstances. Many were reportedly lured by promises of lucrative salaries and better opportunities, only to find themselves embroiled in a conflict zone. The MEA has been working tirelessly to address these cases, but challenges persist due to the complexities of international diplomacy and wartime conditions.

how Indians Were Lured into the Conflict

Several Indian nationals were reportedly misled by agents who promised them stable jobs and high earnings in Russia. Unaware of the risks, many signed contracts that ultimately placed them in the Russian Army.The MEA has as issued warnings to citizens about such recruitment schemes, urging them to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of overseas job offers.

How Can India Leverage Its Diplomatic Channels with Russia to Ensure the Safe Return of Its Citizens?

India’s diplomatic ties with Russia remain strong, providing a foundation for negotiations.The MEA has been in constant interaction with Russian authorities, emphasizing the urgency of repatriating Indian nationals. By leveraging its longstanding relationship with Moscow, India aims to secure the safe return of its citizens while maintaining bilateral cooperation on other fronts.

The Tragic Plight of Indian Nationals in the Russian army

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken a devastating toll on Indian nationals lured into the Russian Army. Recently, the death of 32-year-old Binil Babu, a native of Kerala, has brought this issue to the forefront. Russian authorities have confirmed his tragic demise and are working to repatriate his remains. Simultaneously occurring, another Indian national, Jain T K, is receiving medical treatment in Moscow and is expected to return home upon recovery.

Key Facts About Indian nationals in the Russian Army

• 126 Indians were recruited by the Russian Army.
• 96 have returned to India.
• 12 have been killed fighting in Ukraine.
• 18 remain in the Russian Army.
• 16 are missing, according to Russian authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively supporting the families of those affected. “We have learned of the tragic death of an Indian national from Kerala who was recruited into the Russian Army,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir jaiswal, reiterating India’s demand for the immediate discharge of its citizens from Russian military service.

How Indians Were Deceived into the Conflict

Binil Babu and Jain T K,both ITI mechanical diploma holders,traveled to Russia on April 4,2024,with hopes of securing jobs as electricians and plumbers. Instead, their passports were confiscated, and they were forcibly deployed to the frontlines as part of the Russian Military Support Service. Their families have since shared the harrowing details of their ordeal.

numerous reports indicate that dozens of Indians have been deceived by agents promising lucrative jobs or educational opportunities in Russia, only to be coerced into military service. In May 2024, police arrested four individuals linked to a human trafficking network accused of luring young men to fight in Ukraine.

India has consistently urged Russia to halt the recruitment of its citizens. During Prime Minister narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024,he “strongly raised the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals who have been misled into the service of the Russian Army,” according to the MEA. The Russian government had previously pledged to expedite their release in response to India’s demands.

India’s Diplomatic Efforts to Bring its citizens Home

Professor Arvind Patel, a geopolitical analyst and expert on India-Russia relations, explains that India’s strong diplomatic ties with Russia can play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe return of its citizens. “india must leverage its ancient relationship with Russia to address this issue effectively,” says Patel. He emphasizes the need for continued dialog and pressure to expedite the process.

As the situation unfolds,the focus remains on bringing all affected individuals back safely and holding accountable those responsible for this exploitation. The tragic stories of Binil Babu and others serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those lured into conflict zones under false pretenses.

The Tragic Plight of Indian Nationals in the Russian Army

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken a devastating toll on Indian nationals lured into the Russian Army. Recently,the death of 32-year-old Binil Babu,a native of Kerala,has brought this issue to the forefront. Russian authorities have confirmed his tragic demise and are working to repatriate his remains. Meanwhile, another Indian national, Jain T K, is receiving medical treatment in moscow and is expected to return home upon recovery.

Key Facts About Indian Nationals in the Russian Army

• 126 Indians were recruited by the Russian Army.
• 96 have returned to India.
• 12 have been killed fighting in Ukraine.
• 18 remain in the Russian Army.
• 16 are missing,according to Russian authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively supporting the families of those affected. “we have learned of the tragic death of an Indian national from Kerala who was recruited into the Russian Army,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, reiterating India’s demand for the immediate discharge of its citizens from Russian military service.

How Indians Were Deceived into the Conflict

Binil Babu and Jain T K, both ITI mechanical diploma holders, traveled to Russia on April 4, 2024, with hopes of securing jobs as electricians and plumbers. Instead, their passports were confiscated, and they were forcibly deployed to the frontlines as part of the Russian Military Support Service. Their families have since shared the harrowing details of their ordeal.

Numerous reports indicate that dozens of Indians have been deceived by agents promising lucrative jobs or educational opportunities in Russia, only to be coerced into military service. In May 2024, police arrested four individuals linked to a human trafficking network accused of luring young men to fight in Ukraine.

India has consistently urged Russia to halt the recruitment of its citizens. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow in july 2024, he “strongly raised the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals who have been misled into the service of the Russian Army,” according to the MEA. The Russian government had previously pledged to expedite their release in response to India’s demands.

India’s Diplomatic Efforts to bring Its Citizens Home

professor Arvind Patel, a geopolitical analyst and expert on India-Russia relations, explains that India’s strong diplomatic ties with Russia can play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe return of its citizens. “India must leverage its historical relationship with Russia to address this issue effectively,” says Patel. He emphasizes the need for continued dialogue and pressure to expedite the process.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on bringing all affected individuals back safely and holding accountable those responsible for this exploitation. The tragic stories of Binil Babu and others serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those lured into conflict zones under false pretenses.

Ensuring the Safe Return of Indian Nationals from Russia: A Diplomatic Imperative

The plight of Indian nationals allegedly coerced into serving in the Russian Army has brought to light a deeply concerning issue. Reports suggest that many Indians are lured to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs in sectors like construction or security, only to be misled into signing contracts with the military. This has left them with no option but to serve on the front lines in Ukraine, a situation that has sparked outrage and calls for urgent action.

The Human Cost: Missing and Fallen Nationals

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA),16 Indian nationals are currently missing,while 12 have tragically lost their lives.This has not only caused immense distress to their families but has also strained the long-standing diplomatic ties between India and Russia. Professor Patel, an expert in international relations, emphasizes the gravity of the situation. “The MEA’s demand for the early discharge of these nationals underscores the seriousness of the issue,” he states.

Diplomatic Measures for Safe Repatriation

India’s immediate priority is to bring its citizens home safely. Professor Patel suggests leveraging diplomatic channels with Russia to address this pressing matter. “This includes high-level discussions between the two governments and seeking assurances that no further recruitment or deployment of Indian nationals will occur,” he explains. Additionally, India could collaborate with international organizations or allies to apply indirect pressure on Russia.

Raising awareness among Indian citizens is equally critical. “It’s crucial to educate people about the risks of falling victim to such recruitment schemes,” Professor Patel adds. This preventive measure could help curb future exploitation.

The Emotional Toll on Families

The impact on the families of those serving in the russian army is profound. Many were unaware of the true nature of their loved ones’ roles in Russia. “The emotional and psychological toll on these families is immense,” says Professor Patel. He advocates for thorough government support, including financial and psychological assistance, to help the families of the deceased, injured, and missing. Open and obvious communication is essential to rebuild trust and ensure that affected families feel heard and supported.

Preventing Future Incidents

To prevent such incidents from recurring, Professor Patel outlines a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening diplomatic outreach to protect Indian citizens abroad is paramount. “Stricter regulations are needed to monitor and crack down on fraudulent recruitment agencies operating in India,” he asserts. Public awareness campaigns are also vital to educate citizens about the risks of falling prey to such schemes.

A Call for Swift Resolution

This issue highlights the need for immediate and decisive action. the safe return of Indian nationals must remain a top priority for the government. As professor Patel aptly summarizes,”This is undoubtedly a critical issue,and we hope for a swift resolution to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals.”

strengthening Collaboration: india and Russia Unite to Tackle Humanitarian Challenges

In a thought-provoking discussion, Professor Patel emphasized the urgent need for India and Russia to join forces in addressing pressing humanitarian issues. “it’s imperative that both India and Russia work together to address this humanitarian issue and prevent further loss of life,” he stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The call for collaboration comes at a critical time, as both nations face shared challenges that demand immediate attention and unified action. Professor Patel’s insights shed light on the importance of international cooperation in mitigating crises that transcend borders.

India and Russia have long shared a history of diplomatic and strategic partnerships.This latest appeal underscores the potential for their alliance to evolve into a force for global good, particularly in addressing humanitarian concerns that impact millions.

The professor’s remarks resonate deeply in today’s interconnected world, where no nation can tackle complex issues in isolation.By pooling resources, expertise, and efforts, India and Russia can set a precedent for other countries to follow, fostering a more collaborative global community.

For those interested in delving deeper into this crucial topic, the embedded video below provides additional context and analysis:

As the world grapples with increasingly complex challenges, the partnership between India and russia could serve as a beacon of hope. Together, they have the potential to make a meaningful difference, saving lives and shaping a brighter future for all.

What legal and humanitarian steps is India taking to secure the release of its citizens allegedly forced to fight in the russia-Ukraine war?

St and provide clarity.

Legal and Humanitarian Steps

India is also exploring legal and humanitarian avenues to secure the release of its citizens. This includes engaging with Russian authorities to ensure compliance with international humanitarian laws and treaties. Professor Patel highlights the importance of documenting cases and gathering evidence to hold accountable those responsible for misleading and coercing indian nationals. “Legal action against traffickers and agents involved in this exploitation is imperative,” he asserts.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Amid Crisis

Despite the current crisis, India and Russia share a historic relationship that spans decades.professor Patel believes that this foundation can be used to navigate the complexities of the situation. “While addressing this issue, India must also ensure that its broader strategic and economic ties with Russia remain intact,” he notes. Balancing immediate humanitarian concerns with long-term diplomatic goals will be key.

Conclusion: A Call for Swift and Decisive Action

The tragic plight of Indian nationals in the Russian Army underscores the need for swift and decisive action.leveraging diplomatic channels, raising awareness, providing support to affected families, and pursuing legal remedies are all critical steps in resolving this crisis. As India continues to press for the safe return of its citizens, the international community’s attention and cooperation will be essential in ensuring accountability and preventing future exploitation.