Eight recruited mercenaries from India killed in the war in Ukraine

The Indian government has reported that eight Indian citizens have so far been killed while serving in the Russian army, twice as many as officially recognized.

This is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the Hindustan Times.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that the exact number of such citizens is unknown, although 63 Indians have already applied for early release.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs of India recognized the deaths of only four Indian citizens who served in the Russian armed forces in the war in Ukraine. Most of them were recruited as support staff, such as cooks and assistants, and accompanied their units to the front.

"According to available information, there have been eight deaths with confirmed Indian citizenship," Singh said.

In addition, the government has received a request for assistance in the early demobilization of Indian citizens allegedly recruited into the Russian armed forces under unclear circumstances. Singh added that the exact number of such citizens is unknown.

The recruitment of Indians into the Russian armed forces has become particularly relevant after the deaths of several citizens earlier this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue at a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin at a summit in Moscow last month. As a result, the Indian side secured a promise of prompt repatriation of all such individuals.

In June, India demanded that the conscription of Indian citizens into the Russian army be "stopped." Singh said that the government had provided financial support for the transportation of the bodies of the four dead Indians and would continue to do so if necessary.

In addition, the Russian government has promised to pay compensation to the families of the dead Indians in accordance with the signed contracts.

Singh emphasized that the issue of early demobilization of Indian citizens serving in the Russian armed forces, as well as their safety and welfare, is being actively discussed by the Indian government with the relevant authorities in Russia.

He noted that Modi, during his recent visit to Russia, "strongly reiterated the urgent need for the early release of all Indian nationals" from the Russian armed forces.

The Ministry of External Affairs urged all Indians to "exercise due caution when seeking employment in Russia" and "stay away from this conflict."

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 02/08/2024