Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India, Lok Sabha member Hanuman Beniwal on Wednesday (December 3, 2025) raised the issue of safe return of 61 Indians who were allegedly enlisted in the Russian Army to participate in the ongoing war against Ukraine. The men had travelled to Russia on student and work visas and joined the Russian Army despite several warnings and advisories by the government. Mr. Beniwal raised the issue during Zero Hour in Lok Sabha.
“It is necessary to ensure the safety of these Indians and to engage in immediate talks with the Russian government to safely bring them out of the war zone and initiate strong efforts for their return to the homeland,” Mr. Beniwal from the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), who represents Nagaur, Rajasthan, in Lok Sabha, said.
According to details received from the affected families, 61 men have been forcibly engaged in military activities in the Russia-Ukraine war for several months, and the families have had no contact with them for the past three to four months, he said.
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“Many families are suffering from mental harassment and living in fear. The families protested at Jantar Mantar twice and conveyed their concerns to the government. The issue should be raised at the highest political level,” the MP said, adding that several men from Rajasthan were also among those missing.
