The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that at least 16 Indians who were sent by the Russian Army to fight in Ukraine are still missing and that 12 have already been killed. This occurred following the death of a Keralan Indian national who had been enlisted in the Russian military and the injuries of another during Russia's continuing war with Ukraine. India then vehemently brought up the issue with Moscow and restated its demand that all Indians be released from the Russian Army as soon as possible.

“As of today, there have been 126 cases (of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army). Of these 126 cases, 96 people have returned to India and have been discharged from the Russian Armed Forces. 18 Indian nationals in the Russian Army remain and out of them the whereabouts of 16 individuals are not known," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a briefing on Friday.

Jaiswal mentioned that Russia has listed 16 Indian nationals as "missing" and that India is working to get them released and bring them back as soon as possible. At least 12 Indian nationals have been killed while fighting for the Russian Army in Ukraine. The Ministry has also expressed its condolences over the death of Kerala native Binil Babu, who was killed during the Ukraine conflict. It stated that the Indian embassy is in contact with Russian authorities to arrange for the return of his body.

Another Indian citizen, Jain T K, is currently receiving medical treatment in Moscow and is expected to return to India once his treatment is completed. 126 Indians were recruited by the Russian Army, of which 96 have returned, 12 were killed fighting for the Russian Army, 18 are still serving in Russia, and 16 Indians are categorised as ‘missing’ by Russia.

The embassy in Moscow is in contact with the families of the two Indians and all support is being provided, the External Affairs Ministry stated on Tuesday. “We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army," Jaiswal said. The MEA spokesperson mentioned that India has once again emphasised the need for the prompt release of the remaining Indian nationals in Russian military custody.

Binil (32) and Jain (27), who hold ITI mechanical diplomas, went to Russia on April 4, expecting to work as electricians and plumbers. However, when they arrived, their Indian passports were taken, and they were then sent to the war zone to work as part of the Russian Military Support Service, as reported by their relatives.

Reports suggest that many Indians have been tricked by agents into fighting for Russian forces, being promised money and a Russian passport. In May last year, the police arrested four individuals who were reportedly part of a human trafficking network. They allegedly lured young men to Russia with offers of jobs or education but instead forced them to fight in Ukraine. Russia pledged in July to release all Indian citizens from the Russian Army's duty early after Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up the issue "strongly" with Russian President Vladimir Putin while the latter was in Moscow.

“The prime minister strongly raised the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals who have been misled into the service of the Russian Army," the MEA said at the time. India had previously insisted that the Russian Army "verify a halt to any future recruitment of Indian nationals and that such operations would not be in "consonance with our partnership."