Over 200 Indian soldiers recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine war, 26 killed since 2022: MEA tells parl

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage on, India’s Ministry of External Affairs revealed on Friday that over 200 Indian nationals were recruited to fight in the conflict. The ministry revealed the figure on Friday as it answered unstarred questions posed in the Rajya Sabha by MPs Saket Gokhale and Randeep Singh Surjewala.

In its statement titled ‘ Reparation of Indian nationals in the Russian Army’, the ministry said that it believes 202 Indians have joined the Russian armed forces since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2024. However, the MEA also noted that it has successfully secured the early discharge of 119 of them.

When it comes to the death toll, the statement maintained that 26 nationals are reported to have lost their lives in the war, and 7 are reported to be missing on the Russian side of the border. In the statement, the MEA maintained that there are ongoing efforts to get 50 Indian nationals discharged from the Russian military, while the ministry also tries to recover the remains of 10 who were killed in battle.

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Govt remains in touch with Russian authorities

In the statement, the MEA assured that the government is in touch with Russian authorities to ensure the return of the Indian nationals. “The Government of India remains continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces,” the statement read.

“This matter is discussed at various levels, including during interactions between leaders, ministers, and officials of the two sides,” it continued. The Indian foreign ministry also mentioned that DNA samples of 18 Indians who have been reported dead or missing have been shared with Russian authorities.

However, the big question remains what exact tactics were used by the Russian authorities to recruit these Indian soldiers. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Russia has ramped up recruitment efforts to 128 countries to help carry out the war initiated by the country’s President Vladimir Putin.

There have been an estimated more than 1 million killed in the deadliest war since World War II, with Moscow suffering over 790,000 dead or wounded, and nearly 85,000 missing, according to Russia Matters. Through the course of nearly 4 years, Russia has managed to conquer 12 per cent of Ukraine, and controls nearly 20 per cent of the country, including previously seized territories such as Crimea.

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