Dozen Indian nationals serving in Russian army killed, 16 missing, says MEA

India confirmed on Jan 17 that a dozen Indian nationals have been killed while serving with the Russian military, and another 16 are currently listed as missing by Russian authorities.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 126 Indians had served with the Russian military, of whom 96 had already been discharged.

“Twelve Indian nationals have died in the (Russia-Ukraine) conflict, who were serving in the Russian Army,” Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing.

“Of the 126 known cases of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces, 96 individuals have already returned. They have been discharged from the Russian armed forces,” he added.

Jaiswal said the whereabouts of 16 of the remaining 18 are unknown, and Russia categorizes them as missing.

The MEA is in contact with the families of the missing individuals and is working with Russian authorities to “ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Indian nationals and for an early release and repatriation of those who remain in the country,” Jaiswal said.

Recently, the MEA also confirmed the death of an Indian national from Kerala. Binil TB, from Thrissur, was reported dead after his family publicly shared the news on Jan 13.

“The death of Binil TB is unfortunate,” Jaiswal said.

The Indian embassy in Moscow is coordinating with Russian authorities for the repatriation of his body, while another Kerala resident who was injured in the conflict is receiving treatment in a Moscow hospital.

“The embassy is in touch with him and Russian authorities for his well-being, and we are hopeful that he will return after his treatment,” Jaiswal said.

Before Binil’s death, nine other Indians were confirmed dead in the conflict, making him the 10th casualty. India has pressed Russia to release all Indians recruited by its military.