In a formal reply posted on 18 December, India’s Ministry of External Affairs revealed that 202 Indian citizens were recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022. The country reportedly managed to return 119 of those, while 50 remain in limbo still awaiting discharge.
India details the toll and recovery efforts
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that 202 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022. 26 of them have been killed, seven are listed as missing by Russian authorities, and 50 have not yet returned home. So far, only 119 have been repatriated. In a statement issued on 18 December, the ministry said it is continuing efforts to secure the early release of those who remain.
Indian Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that Indian diplomatic missions have assisted those discharged by issuing travel documents and providing air tickets where needed. These cases have been raised at multiple levels between Indian and Russian officials, including talks between national leaders and ministers. The ministry emphasized that the government remains “continuously engaged” with the Russian side to ensure the safety and return of all remaining Indian nationals.
DNA used to identify the dead
Of the 26 confirmed dead, India has so far repatriated 10 bodies and carried out local cremation for two others. DNA samples from family members of 18 deceased or missing individuals have been shared with Russian authorities to help confirm identities. The ministry explained that once remains are moved to a safe location, the Indian embassy coordinates the next steps, including documentation for local cremation or transportation back to India, after matching DNA results.
Other countries report similar patterns
- In November, Kenya said more than 200 of its nationals were fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
- On 15 December, Botswana also acknowledged similar cases.
- South Africa is also negotiating with Russia to bring home 17 men who were allegedly tricked into joining the Russian military and sent to the frontlines in Ukraine
- Most recently, on 18 December, Ukrainian defense forces captured two Colombian citizens in Pokrovsk. They claimed they had come to Russia for construction jobs offering $2,500, but had their documents seized and were forced to fight.
- According to data from the “I Want to Live” project, at least 314 Belarusians and 270 Kazakhstani nationals have died in Ukraine while fighting for Russia.
