India on Tuesday urged Russia to immediately release all Indian citizens serving in its military. This demand was raised after the news of the death of another Indian citizen in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine came. Till now a total of 10 Indians have lost their lives in this war.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 31-year-old Binil Babu from Kerala died in the battle. He was a resident of Kuttanelloor in Thrissur district. The ministry reported that another citizen of this state is injured, who is currently undergoing treatment in a Moscow hospital, but did not provide detailed information about the circumstances of the deceased.
The Indian government has previously sought the release of Indian citizens serving as support staff, such as cooks and assistants, in Russian military contingents. The issue was raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in two meetings with President Vladimir Putin last year.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have received information about the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who was reportedly recruited into the Russian Army. Another civilian was injured, and is being treated in a Moscow hospital. “We will take up this matter vigorously with the Russian authorities and the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.” He also said that the process of bringing the mortal remains of the deceased to India is underway, and urged Russia for the early release of the injured person.
Investigation into recruitment in Russian Army continues
India has also claimed that many Indian citizens have been fraudulently or wrongfully recruited into the Russian army by recruitment agents. Last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered a case against 19 persons and agencies in this regard and made several arrests. The Russian Embassy had last year informed that the recruitment of Indian citizens has been stopped after April 2024, and efforts are currently being made to ensure their early release.
Last October, Indian officials had said that a total of 85 Indian citizens had been freed from the Russian army, while the process of release of the remaining 20 citizens was underway. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and said that the Indian Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families whose members are serving in the Russian Army. The Embassy has assured these families of all possible assistance.
