As many as 202 Indians are “believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces” since 2022, and 26 of them are reported to have lost their lives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (December 18, 2025), adding that at least two Indians have been cremated in Russia.
Parliament Winter Session: Follow LIVE updates on December 18, 2025
“Concerted efforts by the Government have resulted in early discharge of 119 of them; 26 are reported to have lost their lives and seven are reported missing by the Russian side. Efforts are ongoing for early discharge of 50 individuals,” Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply.
Also Read | Families of Indians stuck in Russian warzone say they last heard from them 50-days ago
The Union government remains continuously engaged with the Russian government, to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces, the Minister said. He added that the matter is being discussed at various levels, including during interactions between leaders, Ministers, and officials of the two sides.
