Free all Indians from army, Moscow urged after Kerala man dies
India on Tuesday sought early release of its nationals from Russia following the demise of its national and injury to another in a battlefield in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both persons hail from Kerala and are said to be relatives who had been working for the Russian army.
Binil Babu, 32, is said to have been shot dead while fighting at the warfront. The injured man has been identified as Jain TK, 27. Both hail from Kerala’s Kuttanellur.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered. 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.”
He said the matter had been “strongly taken up” with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian embassy in New Delhi today. “We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals,” he said. In December, the government had said 19 Indian nationals were working with the Russian forces. It had sought update from Moscow on Indian nationals and asked them to ensure their safety and early discharge.”
India has said several Indians recruited into the Russian military were “misled” or “duped by unscrupulous” recruitment agents. The CBI also booked 19 individuals and entities last year in this regard.
