In a major revelation, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that at least 12 Indian nationals who fought for the Russian side against Ukraine have been killed so far, while 16 have gone missing.
Responding to the death of Binil Babu, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press conference said, "The death of Binil Babu is extremely unfortunate. We have conveyed our condolences to the family. Our embassy is in touch with the Russian authorities so that his mortal remains could come back to India as soon as possible. Another person who was injured is receiving treatment in Moscow...Hopefully, he will also be returning to India soon after his treatment is completed."
"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. The Russian side has categorized them as missing...We are seeking early release and repatriation of those who remain...12 Indian nationals have died who were serving in the Russian Army," the MEA spokesperson said.
The Ministry of External Affairs responded after the death of Indian national Binil Babu, 32, from Thrissur, Kerala, who died on the front lines alongside a Russian mercenary group. Another resident of Thrissur, Jain Kurien, was injured in a shell attack in Ukraine and is currently undergoing treatment.
