The MEA's response comes after an Indian national recruited by the Russian military was killed and another sustained injuries recently in Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced that in their recent communication with Russia, it has been revealed that 12 Indian nationals who were serving in the Russian military have lost their lives. Meanwhile, among the total number of Indians who were working with the Russian military so far, 16 of them are missing.
The MEA's response comes after an Indian national recruited by the Russian military was killed and another sustained injuries recently in Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday during a press conference said, "There have been 126 cases (of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army). Of these 126 cases, 96 people have returned to India and have been discharged from the Russian armed forces."
"Eighteen Indian nationals in the Russian Army remain and out of them, the whereabouts of 16 individuals are not known," he said.
"The Russian side has categorised them as missing.... We are seeking an early release and repatriation of those who remain," Jaiswal said.
India on January 14 reiterated to Russia its demand for an early discharge of the Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military after the news of an Indian national from Kerala surfaced.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday, "We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army."
"Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow," he added.
Jaiswal said the Indian embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families of the two Indians and all possible assistance is being extended.
"We are working with the Russian authorities for an early transportation of the mortal remains to India," Jaiswal said.
The MEA spokesperson said India has also reiterated its demand for an early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in Russian military.