India Calls for Immediate Release of Indians Serving in Russian Military After Another Death

India demanded on Tuesday that Russia release all Indian nationals serving in its military after another Indian citizen was killed on the frontlines of the Ukraine conflict, bringing the death toll to 10.

The external affairs ministry confirmed that an Indian national from Kerala had been killed and another from the same state injured. However, no specific details were provided about the circumstances of the death, although reports indicated that 31-year-old Binil Babu, from Kuttanellur in Thrissur district, was killed in combat with Ukraine.

India has repeatedly called for the release of all Indians working as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, within Russian military units. This issue became more prominent after at least nine Indian nationals were killed during Russia’s war with Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin during two meetings last year.

“We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army,” said external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow,” he added.

Jaiswal stated that the matter was “strongly taken up” with Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday. “We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals,” he said, though he did not disclose how many Indians are currently serving in the Russian military.

“We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person,” Jaiswal continued.

The external affairs ministry offered condolences to the deceased’s family and stated that the Indian embassy in Moscow is in contact with the families of the citizens serving with the Russian army, providing “all possible assistance.”

Last October, Indian officials stated that 85 Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military had been released, and efforts were underway to secure the release of another 20.

The release of some Indians had been delayed because Russia’s defense ministry had not annulled their contracts for military service. The Russian embassy in New Delhi reported that the recruitment of Indians into Russia’s armed forces had ceased in April 2024 and that efforts were being made to discharge those who had “voluntarily contracted for military service.”

India has argued that many of the Indians recruited into the Russian military were “misled” or deceived by unscrupulous recruitment agents. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities last year for their alleged involvement in recruiting Indians and made several arrests.