two-indian-citizens-serving-in-russian-army-killed

Two Indian citizens who were enlisted by the Russian Army have been killed recently in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, bringing the total number of such fatalities to four.

 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has raised the issue with Russia and requested the prompt release and repatriation of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army.

 

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 Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow have strongly taken up the matter with the… pic.twitter.com/YSvD7kcCr3

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2024

A strongly worded declaration conveyed that India has insisted on a "confirmed cessation of any further enlistment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army" and that such actions would not align with "our partnership."

 

"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 MEA 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 said.

 

In March of this year, Mohammed Asfan, a 30-year-old resident of Hyderabad, lost his life due to injuries sustained while serving alongside Russian troops on the frontlines in Ukraine.

 

In February, Hemal Ashwinbhai Mangua, a 23-year-old resident of Surat in Gujarat, was killed in a Ukrainian air strike while working as a "security helper" in the Donetsk region.

 

The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassy in Moscow have raised the issue with the Russian Ambassador in New Delhi and Russian authorities in Moscow, seeking the prompt release and repatriation of all Indian nationals serving with the Russian Army," stated the MEA.

 

The MEA's statement was issued shortly after Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra attended the Russian National Day reception at the Russian embassy.

 

Reports indicate that approximately 200 Indian citizens were hired as security assistants in the Russian armed forces. 

 

Officials have confirmed that 10 Indian individuals employed as support personnel by the Russian military have been freed and sent back to India.