RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1197
ANSWERED ON- 01/08/2024
CONSCRIPTION OF INDIAN NATIONALS IN THE RUSSIAN ARMY
1197. SHRI SANDEEP KUMAR PATHAK
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) whether Government is aware of the conscription of Indian nationals in the Russian army;
(b) if so, the number of Indian nationals conscripted into the Russian army;
(c) the number of these Indian nationals who have lost their lives;
(d) the financial support provided or proposed to be provided by Government to their families;
(e) if no support has been provided, the reasons therefor; and
(f) the number of such Indian nationals who are still in Russia, along with the efforts that are being made to bring them safely back to India?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to f) The Government has received requests for facilitation of early discharge of some Indian nationals purportedly recruited into the Russian armed forces in unclear circumstances. The exact number of such Indian nationals is not known. Information available currently, indicates that 12 Indian nationals have already left the Russian armed forces while another 63 individuals are seeking early discharge. Eight deaths have been reported where the citizenship of the deceased has been verified as Indian.
Financial support has been provided by the Government for transportation of mortal remains of four Indian nationals to India and it remains available for other cases when required. In addition, the Government of the Russian Federation has informed that compensation will be provided to the families of deceased individuals in accordance with the contracts signed by them.
The early discharge of Indian nationals in Russian armed forces, as well as their safety and well-being, has been taken up strongly by the Government with relevant authorities of Russia at various levels. During his recent visit to Russia in July 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi strongly reiterated the urgent need for early release of all Indian nationals from the Russian armed forces. MEA has also urged all Indian nationals to exercise due caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia and stay away from this conflict.
*****