Two Indians recruited by Russian Army killed in Ukraine war: MEA

“We regret to state that two Indian nationals who had been recruited by the Russian Army have recently been killed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” the statement said.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our Embassy in Moscow has pressed the Russian authorities, including the Ministry of Defence, for early repatriation of mortal remains,” it added.

India has also demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of its nationals by the Russian Army. Such activities would not be in consonance with our partnership, it said, also urging Indian nationals to exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia.

Earlier in March, two Indian citizens were killed during the conflict they were forced to fight alongside the Russian Army. Their bodies were brought to Delhi on March 16 and flown to their homes in Surat and Hyderabad respectively.

The deceased, Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya (23) of Surat in Gujarat, and Mohammad Asfan (31) from Hyderabad, were hired as helpers for the Russian Army but were forced to participate in the ongoing war, their families had said.

Talking to reporters on the issue at the time, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that there were around 20 persons who had sought help to return.

“We are pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for early discharge of our people who are stuck there,” he had said.

He said that due to the government’s intervention, several Indians were discharged from the Russian Army.