Russia-Ukraine War: 51 Indians Serving In Russian Army Killed, 139 Discharged, Says MEA

India has said that 51 of the 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces have died during the Ukraine war, while 139 have been discharged and are now being facilitated for their return to India.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided the latest figures during a briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan. He said New Delhi remains engaged with Moscow to secure the release and repatriation of Indians who are still serving in the Russian military.

INDIA CONTINUES TALKS WITH MOSCOW

Misri said the issue of Indians being recruited into the Russian armed forces has been raised repeatedly with the Russian government at different levels.

“The issue of our nationals and citizens being recruited into the Russian armed forces has been discussed between India and Russia at various levels on multiple occasions,” he said.

According to the Foreign Secretary, the Indian embassy in Moscow is closely tracking individual cases and coordinating efforts to bring the affected citizens home.

“Our embassy in Moscow is regularly monitoring this situation regarding the release and repatriation of these Indian citizens,” Misri said.

He added that India was continuing discussions with Russian authorities to ensure that those still serving are discharged as soon as possible.

“We remain in active discussions with the Russian side to ensure that any remaining cases are discharged at the earliest so that we can return these individuals to their families as soon as possible,” he said.

51 INDIANS REPORTED DEAD

Misri said India has identified 227 nationals who were recruited into the Russian military.

“Out of that number, we have information that 139 of our nationals have been discharged,” he said.

He added that 51 Indians had died.

“Unfortunately, we also have information regarding 51 individuals who have perished so far,” Misri said.

The government has continued to treat the matter as a priority in its engagement with Moscow, particularly in efforts to secure the release of those who remain in the Russian armed forces.

MODI-PUTIN MEETING

The figures were released during a briefing on Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, where he participated in meetings linked to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the means of resolving the war and has called for efforts aimed at bringing the conflict to an end.

Meanwhile, New Delhi’s discussions with Moscow over Indian nationals serving in the Russian military are expected to continue, with India seeking the early discharge and safe return of those who remain.