26 Indians working in Russian armed forces reportedly died: Govt to Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Twenty-six Indians working in the Russian armed forces have reportedly died, while seven have been marked as missing by the Russian side, the government told Parliament on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also said efforts are on for an early discharge of 50 individuals.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has "provided assistance in repatriation of mortal remains of 10 deceased Indian nationals to India, and local cremation of two deceased Indian nationals", the minister said.

"DNA samples of family members of 18 Indians, who were reported dead or missing, have been shared with the Russian authorities in an effort to help establish the identity of some of the deceased Indian nationals," he added.

The MEA was asked about the number of Indian nationals identified as illegally working or forced to work in the Russian Army, along with the count of fatalities or people gone missing since 2022.

The government was also asked about the Indian nationals currently estimated to be stuck working in the Russian Army and the dates of all communications exchanged between the ministry and Russia seeking their repatriation, and whether the mortal remains of any Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war are yet to be repatriated and if so, the reasons for the delay.

"As per information available, 202 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Concerted efforts by the government have resulted in early discharge of 119 of them; 26 are reported to have lost their lives and seven are reported missing by the Russian side. Efforts are ongoing for early discharge of 50 individuals," Singh said.

The ministry and the Indian Mission and posts in Russia have assisted the Indians discharged from the Russian Army for their return to India, including by facilitating travel documents and providing air tickets, wherever required, the government said.

The Indian Mission in Russia has also assisted with the evacuation of mortal remains.

"Once the mortal remains are shifted to a safe zone, the identification process involves matching of DNA samples with the next of kin. When the identity is conclusively established, the Indian embassy assists in completion of requisite documentation for local cremation or transportation of mortal remains to India, in close coordination with the family," Singh said.

The government 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.

"This matter is discussed at various levels, including during interactions between leaders, ministers and officials of the two sides," the MoS said.