Re: India-Russia: News & Analysis
Posted: 15 Jan 2025 00:52
Release all Indians serving in Russian military, says India after one more death
NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday demanded that Russia release all Indian nationals serving in its military following the death of another citizen on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine, taking the number of deaths so far to 10.
The external affairs ministry said an Indian national from Kerala was killed and another from the same state was injured. It didn’t provide details regarding the circumstances of the death, though reports said Binil Babu (31), a native of Kuttanellur in Thrissur district, was killed in the fighting with Ukraine.
The Indian side has repeatedly called for the release of all Indians serving as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, with Russian military units. This became a key issue for New Delhi following the death of at least nine Indians during Russia’s war with Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too raised the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin at two meetings last year.
The release of some Indians serving in the Russian Army had been held up as Russia’s defence ministry had not annulled their contracts for military service. The Russian embassy in New Delhi said last year the recruitment of Indians into Russia’s armed forces was stopped in April 2024, and authorities were ensuring the early discharge of those who “voluntarily contracted for military service”.
The Indian side has contended that many Indians recruited into the Russian military were “misled” or duped by unscrupulous recruitment agents. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities last year for their alleged role in recruiting Indians and made several arrests.