India has called on Russia to release all Indian nationals serving in the Russian military after the death of another Indian citizen in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. This brings the total number of Indian casualties in the war to 10. The latest victim, Binil Babu, a 31-year-old from Kerala, was reportedly killed while fighting on the frontlines against Ukrainian forces. Another Indian from the same state was injured and is currently receiving treatment in Moscow.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the death, which occurred despite repeated calls from New Delhi for the repatriation of Indian nationals serving in Russian military units. These individuals, many of whom have been recruited as support staff such as cooks and helpers, have been a focal point of diplomatic discussions between India and Russia.
Speaking to the press, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the matter was “strongly taken up” with Russian authorities both in Moscow and with the Russian embassy in New Delhi. Jaiswal reiterated India’s demand for the release of all Indian nationals currently serving in Russia’s armed forces. The Indian government has also sought the swift transportation of Babu’s remains back to India and the repatriation of the injured Indian citizen.
“We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army,” Jaiswal stated. He also mentioned that the embassy in Moscow has been in contact with the families of Indian nationals serving with Russian military units, providing support and assistance during this difficult time.
This tragic incident follows months of mounting concern over the fate of Indian nationals enlisted by the Russian military. As of last October, 85 Indian nationals had been discharged from Russian service, but there are still around 20 individuals whose release remains pending. Efforts to secure the release of these individuals have been delayed as the Russian Ministry of Defence has not annulled their military service contracts. However, it was reported that recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian armed forces had ceased in April 2024.
Indian officials have long argued that many of these recruits were misled or even duped by fraudulent recruitment agents. Last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took action against 19 individuals and entities allegedly involved in the illegal recruitment of Indians into Russia’s military, making several arrests as part of its investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in meetings held last year, with the Indian government expressing growing concerns over the safety and well-being of its nationals caught in the conflict.
The Indian government is continuing to work with Russian authorities to secure the release and safe return of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian military and to prevent further casualties.
As the war in Ukraine continues to take its toll, the fate of the Indian nationals recruited by Russia remains a significant diplomatic issue for New Delhi.
Sources By Agencies
