The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reported to the Rajya Sabha that a troubling number of 202 Indian nationals are believed to have been enlisted in the Russian armed forces since 2022. Among these individuals, 26 have tragically lost their lives, and seven are currently unaccounted for.
During discussions in the Winter Session of Parliament, the MEA provided updates on the government’s response to this alarming situation. It revealed that the Indian government has taken substantial measures to support the families of the deceased soldiers. This includes facilitating the cremation of two Indian nationals in Russia and ensuring the repatriation of the remains of ten others back to India.
Additionally, the MEA disclosed that 119 Indian nationals have been discharged from military service in Russia due to diplomatic intervention. There are continuous efforts to bring back another 50 Indians who are still under contract with the Russian military.
Many of the affected individuals reportedly fell victim to recruitment schemes orchestrated by agents who enticed them with false promises of employment or educational opportunities. Numerous recruits had initially arrived in Russia on student or tourist visas, only to be coerced into signing military contracts afterward.
One case highlighted by the MEA is that of Ajay Godara, a 22-year-old from Rajasthan. Initially traveling to Russia on a student visa, Godara was later deployed to a conflict zone, where he ultimately lost his life.
The Ministry has emphasized that the Indian government has taken the matter up with Russian authorities, demanding the safe return of Indian nationals and accountability for those who were misled into recruitment.
To protect citizens from similar fates, the MEA has issued a warning against fraudulent recruitment agencies and reiterated its advisory against travel to conflict zones, stressing the importance of caution and due diligence when considering overseas opportunities.
