International Desk – The central government has informed Parliament that 202 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Of them, 26 Indians have died, while seven are reported missing, according to information shared by the Russian side.
The update was given by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, in response to questions raised by MPs Saket Gokhale and Randeep Singh Surjewala.
119 Indians Discharged, Efforts On for Others
The government said that 119 Indians have already been discharged early from the Russian military following sustained diplomatic efforts. Talks are ongoing to secure the release of 50 more Indians still believed to be serving in the armed forces.
The statement came a day after the bodies of two Indian nationals killed in the war arrived in Delhi on December 16.
Government Repeats Warning to Indians
In September, the Centre again warned Indians not to travel to the Russia-Ukraine war zone, following reports that young men were being misled by agents with false promises of high salaries and jobs.
Earlier figures shared by the government showed:
12 Indians killed and 16 missing as of January
8 deaths confirmed in August 2024
The war began in February 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Bodies Brought Back, DNA Tests Conducted
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has:
Helped repatriate the bodies of 10 deceased Indians
Assisted in local cremation of two others
Shared DNA samples of 18 Indians with Russian authorities to confirm identities
The MEA has also helped discharged Indians return home by arranging travel documents and air tickets where needed.
How Indians Were Recruited
Officials said the recruitment began in early 2023. Many Indians travelled to Russia on tourist or student visas, only to be forced into military service later. Some were reportedly offered a choice between jail time or fighting on the frontlines.
In some cases, salaries were withheld, and escape from combat zones was extremely difficult.
Indians Also Joined Ukraine Side
Unofficial reports suggest around 100 Indians joined Ukraine’s International Legion, with at least two deaths reported, though no official data is available.
The unit was formed in February 2022 after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for foreign volunteers.
Recent Indian Casualties
Some recent cases include:
Ajay Godara (22) from Rajasthan, who died in a drone attack in September 2025
A Kerala man working with the Russian military support service, who died earlier this year
Rakesh Kumar Maurya (30) from Uttarakhand, killed in the Donbas region
Families of the victims are demanding justice and faster action.
India in Touch With Russian Authorities
The Centre said it is in constant contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, discharge, and return of Indian nationals. DNA identification and transportation of bodies to India are being carried out in coordination with families.
The government said its priority remains the safety and early return of all Indians affected by the conflict.
