One more death at Ukraine warfront, govt seeks early release of all Indians from Russian military

India has sought early release of its remaining nationals from Russia on Tuesday 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 battling at the warfront. The injured man has been identified as Jain TK, 27. Both hail from Kerala’s Kuttanellur.

Today India “strongly” took up the case with Russia and also took up the matter with the Russian embassy in New Delhi. The government reiterated its demand for the early discharge of the remaining  nationals in Russia, which is engaged in a war with Ukraine since February 2022.

The reports of Indians working for the Russian army surfaced last year. India has maintained several Indians recruited into the Russian military were “misled” or “duped by unscrupulous” recruitment agents. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities last year for their alleged role in recruiting Indians.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday said there had been an unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian army.

He said another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, had been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.

“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,” Jaiswal said.

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 last year, the government stated 19 nationals working with the Russian armed forces remained in the country. The government had also said it sought update from Russia about “whereabouts of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces and also ensure their safety, wellbeing and early discharge.”