India Accepts Its Citizens Fighting in Ukraine War

New Delhi voices concerns over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian military.

Tue Jan 14 2025
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NEW DELHI: India has accepted that its nationals are fighting in the Ukraine war. Another Indian national fighting for Russia in the ongoing war has underlined the alarming recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian military, raising concerns over New Delhi’s failure to keep a check and prevent its citizens from joining foreign conflicts.

The Indian government said on Tuesday that it is working with Russian authorities to transport back the body of the deceased and repatriate his injured companion. It also voiced concerns over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian military.

The two men, Binil T. B., 32, and Jain T. K., 27, both hailing from Kerala, had joined the Russian Army under the guise of military support roles such as electricians and cooks.

In response to media queries regarding the death of an Indian national in Russia, India’s Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured.”

The spokesperson said that the matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. “We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals,” Jaiswal said.

This is the second such incident involving Keralites being recruited by Russia; a similar case occurred in August last year when another local, Sandeep, was killed while fighting for Russia.

Despite raising alarms with Russia, India’s slow response to these recruitments has drawn criticism. The Indian government has since “strongly taken up” the issue with Moscow, demanding the immediate repatriation of Indian nationals still serving in the Russian Army.

However, the recurring deaths and injuries underscore the lack of oversight and preventative measures to safeguard its citizens.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri previously acknowledged that about 85 Indians had returned, but many were still in Russian service, with at least 20 still on the frontlines. The situation raises serious questions about the extent of India’s vigilance in monitoring its nationals’ involvement in foreign conflicts.

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