RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO– 2151
ANSWERED ON– 18/12/2025
REPATRIATION OF INDIAN NATIONALS IN RUSSIAN ARMY
2151. SHRI SAKET GOKHALE
SHRI RANDEEP SINGH SURJEWALA
Will the Minister for EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the number of Indian nationals identified as illegally working/forced to work in the Russian Army along with the count of fatalities/missing since 2022 till date;
(b) the Indian nationals currently estimated to be stuck working in the Russian Army as on date and the dates of all communications exchanged between the Ministry and Russia seeking their repatriation;
(c) whether the mortal remains of any Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war are yet to be repatriated and if so, the reasons for the delay; and
(d) the steps being taken to ensure the immediate repatriation of remaining Indians?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) As per information available, 202 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Concerted efforts by the Government have resulted in early discharge of 119 of them; 26 are reported to have lost their lives and 07 are reported missing by the Russian side. Efforts are ongoing for early discharge of 50 individuals. The Ministry has provided assistance in repatriation of mortal remains of 10 deceased Indian nationals to India, and local cremation of two deceased Indian nationals. DNA samples of family members of 18 Indians, who were reported dead or missing, have been shared with the Russian authorities in an effort to help establish the identity of some of the deceased Indian nationals.
The Ministry and Indian Mission and Posts in Russia have assisted the Indians discharged from the Russian Army for their return to India, including through facilitation of travel documents and providing air tickets, wherever required.
The Indian Mission in Russia has also assisted with task of evacuation of mortal remains. Once the mortal remains are shifted to a safe zone, the identification process involves matching of DNA samples with the next of kin. When the identity is conclusively established, the Indian Embassy assists in completion of requisite documentation for local cremation or transportation of mortal remains to India, in close coordination with the family.
Government of India remains continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces. This matter is discussed at various levels, including during interactions between leaders, ministers, and officials of the two sides.
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