Over 200 Indian nationals were recruited to fight in Russia’s bloody war against Ukraine, the Indian Foreign Ministry said as it tries to secure the release of its countrymen.
Through Moscow’s recruitment efforts, it is believed that 202 Indian nationals joined the Russian armed forces, according to the foreign ministry, which says it successfully secured the early discharge of 119 of them.
“26 are reported to have lost their lives and 7 are reported missing by the Russian side,” the foreign ministry admitted in a statement.
Meanwhile, there is an ongoing effort 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.
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 continued.
“This matter is discussed at various levels, including during interactions between leaders, ministers, and officials of the two sides.”
DNA samples of 18 Indians who have been reported dead or missing have been shared with Russian authorities, the Indian Foreign Ministry said.
It is unclear when New Delhi learned its citizens had been recruited by Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin or what recruitment tactics Moscow used.
Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Since then, he has ramped up recruitment efforts to 128 countries to help carry out his war.
There have been an estimated more than 1 million killed in the deadliest war since World Ward II, with Moscow suffering over 790,000 dead or wounded — and nearly 85,000 missing, according to Russia Matters.
Putin has only managed to conquer 12% of Ukraine, and controls nearly 20% of the country, including previously seized territories such as Crimea, according to Russia Matters, a project launched by the Harvard Kennedy Center School.
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